India's most treasured epic may not stop at two films. Ranbir Kapoor, who leads the big-screen Ramayana adaptation, now believes the story's true scale deserves a 10-part cinematic journey — and with Part One locked for Diwali 2026, the ambition behind this project is coming into sharper focus.
A 10-part vision: Why two films may not be enough
The actor has reportedly told the makers that the timeless epic deserves far more than a truncated two-movie structure. His comments reframe Ramayana not as a single film event but as a long-form storytelling commitment — a rarity in Indian mainstream cinema.
Diwali 2026 target and the half-finished Part Two
Part One is slated for the Diwali 2026 window, giving the team a fixed theatrical goal. Meanwhile, shooting on Part Two has already crossed the halfway mark — an unusual strategy that suggests back-to-back storytelling designed to keep the saga rolling without long gaps between instalments.
Story over shortcuts: The 'no creative liberties' stance
Ranbir was clear that the Ramayana doesn't need creative liberties to become a blockbuster. The emotion, drama and scale already embedded in the epic — when executed with modern filmmaking technique — are what the makers are betting on, rather than rewriting the source material for mass appeal.
Technology is the real modern twist
The film's contemporary edge lies in advanced technology used during production. From VFX-heavy frameworks to performance capture and large-scale visual spectacle, the team is investing in tools designed to translate mythology into immersive cinema for today's audiences.
Why this matters for fans of Indian epic cinema
For generations that grew up on Ramanand Sagar's television Ramayana and later animated retellings, a 10-part theatrical universe would be unprecedented. It positions the epic as an ongoing, franchise-scale commitment spanning multiple years — and multiple box-office tests.
What's confirmed vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed from the actor's reported statements: Part One targets Diwali 2026; Part Two is 50% complete; and the creative vision favours a longer, 10-part format. Still unclear: the full cast beyond key leads, how the 10 parts will be structured across releases, and the production budget. Until the studio issues an official announcement, these should be treated as reported claims rather than finalised facts.
The risks of building a 10-part epic
A multi-part mythology project carries real financial and creative risk. Extended timelines test audience patience, and each instalment must perform commercially for the next to survive. Indian cinema has limited precedent for this model, making the 10-part ambition a bold — and costly — bet.
What audiences should watch for next
The next milestones to track: official casting reveals, the first teaser or technical footage, production updates on Part Two, and any studio confirmation of how the 10-part idea will actually be rolled out. Expect showcase material around major calendar events as Diwali 2026 draws closer.
Future outlook: A new era for mythology on screen
If the 10-part vision holds, Ramayana could redefine how Indian mythology is adapted for cinema. The combination of a timeless narrative, a mainstream star and cutting-edge production technology may create a template other epics follow — provided the first part delivers at the box office.
Our Take
Ranbir Kapoor's comments signal a genuine shift — Indian studios are no longer treating mythology as a one-off spectacle but as a long-form cinematic world. The 10-part idea is ambitious, even risky, but it reflects confidence in both the material and the audience's appetite for epics told properly. The real test begins with Part One in Diwali 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ramayana Part One releasing?
Ramayana Part One is slated for a Diwali 2026 theatrical release, according to Ranbir Kapoor's reported statements.
How much of Ramayana Part Two is complete?
As per the actor, Ramayana Part Two is already 50% complete — an unusual head start that suggests back-to-back production on the saga.
Why does Ranbir Kapoor want Ramayana as a 10-part movie?
Ranbir Kapoor believes the epic's scale and depth cannot be contained in just two films, and has suggested a 10-part cinematic treatment to do justice to the story.
Will the Ramayana film use creative liberties?
Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly dismissed the need for creative liberties to make the film a blockbuster. Instead, the modern approach lies in advanced technology used during production.
