Ramayana Movies are set to become a notable part of the 2026 theatrical calendar, with three separate films based on the epic scheduled around September, October and November. The first two are expected to arrive before Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana – Part I, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles. While each project approaches the subject differently, the three releases will bring the story of Lord Ram to the big screen in separate cinematic interpretations.
Mahakavya Shri Ramayana Katha arrives first
The first release, Mahakavya Shri Ramayana Katha – Shri Ram Ki, is scheduled to reach cinemas on September 25, 2026. Directed by Abhishek Singh, the Hindi-language film is being presented as an attempt to introduce the Ramayana story to a new generation through cinema.
Dev Sharma is set to play Lord Ram, while Anjali Arora will portray Sita. The film’s dialogues and songs have been written by Jaidev Jonwal, with music composed by Dev Ashish. With its September release date, the project is currently positioned as the first of the three Ramayana-based films scheduled for the year.
Valmiki Ramayana follows in October
Just a week later, Valmiki Ramayana is scheduled for release on October 2. As its title suggests, the film draws its narrative foundation from Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana and aims to present the epic through a feature-film format.
Bhavna Talwar is directing the project, while cinematographer Binod Pradhan is handling the visual presentation. Anand Neelakantan has worked on the story and screenplay, with Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi credited for the dialogues.
There is still some uncertainty around the October release, as the film has not yet released its teaser or trailer. The absence of promotional material has led to speculation that the release schedule could change, although no confirmed postponement has been announced.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana – Part I releases in November
The third and most high-profile project is Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana – Part I, scheduled to open in theatres on November 6, 2026. Produced by Namit Malhotra, the film is being mounted on a large scale and is planned as the first instalment of a two-part adaptation intended for audiences in India and overseas.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, with Sai Pallavi as Sita. Yash takes on the role of Ravana, while Sunny Deol portrays Hanuman and Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman. The ensemble also includes Arun Govil as Dasharath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Indira Krishnan as Kaushalya, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara and Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha.
The cast further features Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjeeva, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Surabhi Das as Urmila, Saurabh Sachdeva as Maricha and Shobana as Kaikasi.
A large-scale production with major musical names
The screenplay and story for Ramayana – Part I have been developed by Sridhar Raghavan and Nitesh Tiwari, while the dialogues are credited to Tiwari and Shreyas Jain. Kumar Vishwas has written the film’s songs.
The music brings together Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, adding further attention to the project’s ambitious production. The makers have already begun releasing glimpses of the film’s music and promotional material, building interest ahead of its November theatrical release.
Three interpretations in a single season
With the current schedules, audiences could see three separate cinematic adaptations of the Ramayana within a span of just over six weeks. Mahakavya Shri Ramayana Katha – Shri Ram Ki is slated for September, Valmiki Ramayana for October and Ramayana – Part I for November.
The three projects differ in their teams, casts and filmmaking approaches, giving audiences multiple interpretations of one of India’s most widely known epics. Their eventual reception will depend on how viewers respond to each film’s storytelling, performances and visual treatment.