Ranbir Kapoor and Yash are set to bring the story of the Ramayana to the big screen with Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious two-part adaptation. Ramayana, the first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. Ahead of its arrival, the film has created quite a buzz with its first reactions of the film were out after a special screening in Los Angeles. However, its box-office prospects in South India could vary across markets. In an exclusive chat with Zoom, trade analysts, share their opinion of how the mythological drama will fare at the box office.
Ramayana South India Box Office Prediction: What Trade Experts Say
Film trade expert Ramesh expects to register a strong opening across South India, although competition could affect its performance in Tamil Nadu since Mookuti Amman starring , and Scene starring will also release. He said that the film Ramayana could collect Rs 3-5 crore gross in the state, while Karnataka could contribute Rs 12-15 crore, helped by popularity. The Telugu states could bring in Rs 10-15 crore, with Kerala adding another Rs 2-3 crore. This puts his estimated South India opening at Rs 27-38 crore gross, depending on screen allocation and advance bookings.
“South Indian audiences have always embraced mythology-based films. The success of HanuMan and Kantara Chapter 1, along with Adipurush’s massive opening, proves the genre’s box-office potential. With its universal appeal, grand scale and Yash’s presence, Ramayana could attract strong footfalls across the South,” Ramesh said.
He also mentioned Ranbir Kapoor’s market in the region following Animal and Brahmastra. While Animal opened to Rs 15.4 crore gross in the Telugu states, Brahmastra collected over Rs 30 crore net across South India during its opening weekend. However, Tamil Nadu and Kerala remain challenging markets for the actor.
Ramayana Releases On November 5
Another trade expert, Rajasekhar, said Karnataka and the Telugu states will be the film’s stronger markets. He expects competition from Scene and Mookuthi Amman 2 to affect its prospects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
“My estimate for the South India opening is Rs 10 crore gross. Mythology-based films do well in the South, but that is not always the case with dubbed films in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Baahubali is an exception. Audiences in Karnataka and the Telugu states are more open to dubbed content than Tamil and Malayalam audiences. However, if the word of mouth is good, the film is bound to pick up,” Rajasekhar said.
Ramayana South India Distributors
Ramayana part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble also includes Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the film has music by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
The first instalment will release worldwide on November 5 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. It is expected to reach over 100 countries and approximately 50,000 screens, including IMAX theatres. Sony Pictures is handling international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions is distributing the film in the Hindi-speaking market.
In South India, Think Studios will handle the Tamil Nadu theatrical distribution, while E4 Entertainment, in association with AVA, will distribute the film in Kerala. Yash’s home banner, Monster Mind Creations, will oversee its theatrical release in Karnataka.