Yash steals the show as Ravana, Ranbir as Lord Ram
Excitement has been building since the announcement of 'Ramayana' being released in two parts on the big screen.
When Nitesh Tiwari first announced bringing 'Ramayana' to the big screen in two parts, there was immediate curiosity among the people. The reason is clear. Ramayana is not just a popular story, but a part of Indian culture and the faith of millions. Therefore, expectations from the trailer were quite high.
The trailer was released at 4:15 AM on Thursday and its biggest strength, in its nearly four-minute length, is its grandeur. From start to finish, every frame seems to have been crafted with a big canvas in mind. The grandeur of Ayodhya, the atmosphere of exile, and the golden Lanka, every location shows meticulous work. The visual effects are impressive in many places and convey the scale of the film.
Ranbir Kapoor does not appear much in the trailer, but the glimpses we get show his calm and composed demeanor, fitting for the character of Shri Ram. Sai Pallavi appears natural as Sita. Her small scenes leave a distinct warmth. However, the character that is bound to be most discussed after the trailer is Ravan. Yash's entry is brief but impactful. His look, voice, and screen presence give Ravan a powerful persona. Interestingly, the makers have not yet shown Ravan's ten heads, suggesting that the film wants to save some major scenes for the audience.
A poignant moment in the trailer is seeing Arun Govil as King Dasharatha. He had once made a unique identity for himself by playing Ram on television, and now seeing him as Dasharatha brings back memories of the old times. His facial expressions effectively convey a father's love and the pain of separation from his son. Based on the first trailer, it can certainly be said that the makers have not limited this story to just a big budget, but have also tried to present it seriously. It will be interesting to see if the entire film proves to be as strong in terms of story, emotions, and screenplay. But the trailer has certainly assured that 'Ramayana: Part 1' will be among the most talked-about films this Diwali 2026.
The trailer begins with Ravan (Yash) arriving at a palace and knocking on its massive doors, where he is met with hostility. Fearlessly, he responds with full force and declares that this is the beginning of "Ravan Raj."
As fear of the impending darkness spreads among the gods and kings, Lord Vishnu takes birth on earth as Ram, the son of Ayodhya's King Dasharatha. The trailer then shows Ram's early journey, where he, along with his younger brother Lakshman, fights demons to protect his people. Soon, the story reaches a crucial point in the Ramayana. Due to a promise made to Queen Kaikeyi (Lara Dutta), King Dasharatha has to send Ram into exile for 14 years. Sita tells Ram that she will accompany him on this difficult journey, laying the foundation for the events to follow.
The dialogues, acting, and dramatic style make this trailer much more powerful than the previous teaser. It is noteworthy that the teaser was criticized for its visual effects. Interestingly, there is no glimpse of Hanuman in this, suggesting that the makers might be saving his much-anticipated arrival for the second part. The film also features Sunny Deol, Rakul Preet Singh, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Lara Dutta, and Sheeba Chaddha in significant roles. 'Ramayana: Part 1' will release in theatres on Diwali 2026, while 'Ramayana: Part 2' will reach audiences on Diwali 2027.