First full trailer from Ramayana: The great battle between Rama and Ravana begins

Prepared as one of the most ambitious epic adaptations in Indian cinema to date, Ramayana has unveiled its world with the first full trailer.

The trailer, released simultaneously in five languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, does not only narrate the story through Rama's heroic journey. The opening scenes dedicated to Ravana, played by Yash, position the Lanka ruler as the second major focus of the film.

The trailer begins with Ravana rising from the shadows to seize power. It then transitions to Ayodhya, showcasing Rama, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, in exile and his journey into the forest with Sai Pallavi's Sita. The narrative connects with the great battle that will erupt between Lanka and Rama's army following Sita's abduction.

Rama is not the only focus of the trailer

Previous short clips of Ramayana largely focused on Rama's character and the film's spiritual tone. However, the first full trailer details the other side of the narrative.

Yash's Ravana is not merely presented as a traditional villain opposing Rama. The character's rise, army, power in Lanka, and the internal conflicts he faces are also depicted.

While Rama is defined by compassion, responsibility, and sacrifice, Ravana stands out for his power, ambition, and desire for dominance. Thus, the film is marketed not just as the life story of a classic hero, but as a parallel epic representing two rulers with different governance and moral philosophies. The trailer's emphasis on the fundamental conflict between Rama and Ravana is particularly highlighted in the film's current promotions.

Lanka and mythical creatures are shown in detail for the first time

The four-minute and nine-second trailer also includes the most comprehensive visuals regarding the film's scale so far.

The golden-hued giant structures of Lanka, armies filling the battlefields, flying beings, giant warriors, and various mythical creatures are shown in quick shots. Rama's transformation from a simple exile to a warrior leader is gradually established throughout the trailer.

The relationship between Sita and Rama, which was only briefly touched upon in previous promotions, receives more extensive attention this time. The calm period they spend together, their journey into exile, and the emotional turmoil following Sita's abduction form the emotional foundation for the great battle.

Lakshmana, played by Ravie Dubey, is also seen accompanying Rama and Sita in exile. Although Hanuman, portrayed by Sunny Deol, is one of the most important characters in the main cast, he is not explicitly shown in the new trailer. It is believed that the production team is saving the character's comprehensive introduction for the next phase, but no official statement has been made regarding this.

Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana

Ranbir Kapoor plays Prince Rama of Ayodhya in the film. The trailer initially presents the character as calm, measured, and driven by a sense of duty, but as the visuals progress, he transforms into a warrior leader at the forefront of his army.

Sai Pallavi takes on the role of Sita, Rama's wife. Yash, in addition to being cast as the ruler of Lanka, Ravana, is also among the producers.

The main cast also includes Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi, Arun Govil portrays King Dasharatha, Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal is Mandodari, and Vivek Oberoi plays Vidyutjihva.

The trailer also features scenes from the conflict between Ravana and Vidyutjihva. These scenes indicate that the production will not only narrate Ravana's story from his encounter with Rama but will also explore the power struggle in Lanka and the character's rise.

DNEG is behind the visual effects

The visual effects of Ramayana are being prepared by DNEG and ReDefine, which have worked on large-scale productions such as Dune, Oppenheimer, Interstellar, Tenet, and Blade Runner 2049.

DNEG, which has won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects eight times, describes Ramayana as a two-part cinematic epic prepared for a global audience and shot in IMAX format. The company is involved not only in the effects work but also in the production side of the project.

Although the new trailer shows Lanka, crowded armies, and mythical beings in detail for the first time, it has not been disclosed whether the film's effects work has been completed. Some shots in the trailer may be reworked before the release.

Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman collaborate for the first time

The film's music is composed by two Oscar-winning composers, Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.

Ramayana will be the first collaboration between Zimmer and Rahman for an Indian feature film. The trailer features spiritual vocals, grand orchestral arrangements, and harder rhythms accompanying the battle scenes.

Director Nitesh Tiwari's international creative team includes Guy Norris, known for Mad Max: Fury Road and Furiosa, and Terry Notary, who has worked on Planet of the Apes and Avengers. Both names contributed to the film's action and movement design.

To be released in two parts

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is being adapted for the cinema in two parts instead of being condensed into a single film.

The first part is planned to be released globally during the 2026 Diwali period. The second part is being prepared for the 2027 Diwali period. The production will also be shown in IMAX theaters.

Sony Pictures will handle the global theatrical distribution of the film outside of India. A specific release date for Turkey has not yet been announced.

The first full trailer indicates that Ramayana will not only tell the story of Rama's journey from exile to battle. Nitesh Tiwari constructs the same epic with Ayodhya on one side and Lanka on the other, elevating two opposing rulers together.

The outcome of the war has been known for centuries. The film's main claim is to allow the audience to witness Ravana's rise as closely as Rama's journey.