Epic Tale Unfolds

The forthcoming release of Ramayana: Part 1 has garnered significant attention, with its estimated budget of US$420 million making it the most expensive Indian movie ever made. This fantasy-drama adaptation of the centuries-old Sanskrit poem boasts an ensemble cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, who plays a triple role, and Yash, who plays the tyrannical demon king Ravana. The story follows the showdown between Ravana and the banished hero, Rama, setting the stage for a legendary tale of love, duty, and destiny.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, who co-wrote the screenplay with Shridhar Raghavan, Ramayana: Part 1 is the first of a two-part film series. The film features a collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack, bringing together Eastern and Western music styles. With its release date set for 5 November 2026, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience this epic spectacle on the big screen. The film will be screened at the ODEON Hastings in Hastings on Thursday, 5 November 2026, and tickets are with the button beside the article.

The project was initially conceived as a trilogy but was restructured as a two-part film series under Tiwari's sole direction. Filming began in April 2024 at Film City, Mumbai, and continued until July 2025. The film's score, composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, marks Zimmer's debut work in the Indian film industry. The movie is expected to be a sensory overload, with its wraparound audio-visuals and full-body immersion.

Some critics have expressed mixed opinions about the film, with Siddhant Adlakha of IGN noting that the epic falls victim to clunky action, eye-sore CGI, and awkward AI lip-syncing. Nevertheless, the film's massive budget, stunning visuals, and ensemble cast make it a highly anticipated cinematic event. With its release coinciding with the Diwali holidays, fans are eager to experience the epic spectacle on the big screen. The ODEON Hastings in Hastings will host a screening of Ramayana: Part 1 on Thursday, 5 November 2026, and tickets are with the button beside the article.