Nitesh Tiwari gets emotional at Ramayana teaser launch, says 7-year journey ‘worth it’

Mumbai: Director Nitesh Tiwari has revealed that his ambitious film Ramayana took seven years to make, as the makers unveiled its first teaser featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The two-minute-38-second teaser, titled Rama, offers a grand introduction to the film’s visual world, showcasing battle sequences, expansive palaces and forest landscapes. Kapoor is seen in regal attire, adorned with traditional jewellery, portraying the revered king of Ayodhya.

‘Seven Years To Reach This Moment’: Tiwari On Long Journey

Speaking at a promotional event, Tiwari described the filmmaking process as long and demanding, saying it took him seven years to bring the project to this stage.

He noted that filmmaking can often be a “speculative and lonely process,” adding that he had spent years imagining how audiences would respond when the film’s first glimpse was finally revealed. Seeing the initial reactions, he said, made the journey feel worthwhile.

The director also acknowledged the deep emotional and cultural connection audiences have with Ramayana, stressing that the team approached the subject with sensitivity. He said they made conscious efforts to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of Lord Rama, given the significance of the character in Indian tradition.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.

Produced by Namit Malhotra under Prime Focus Studios and DNEG, in collaboration with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana is envisioned as a two-part live-action saga.

Malhotra described the project as a “labour of love” and said the goal is to present the story of Ramayana to audiences around the world. He emphasised that the narrative transcends boundaries and holds universal appeal.

The film relies heavily on advanced visual effects, with DNEG—an Oscar-winning VFX studio—leading the effort. The production also includes global talent, with composers Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman collaborating on the score.

Ranbir Kapoor described playing Lord Rama as a deeply humbling experience, saying he approached the role as an opportunity to learn from the character’s simplicity and values.

The makers had earlier hosted a promotional event in Los Angeles, reflecting the film’s global ambitions and outreach to international audiences.

While post-production work on the first instalment is currently underway, filming for the second part has already begun, largely taking place indoors due to the extensive use of visual effects.

The first part of Ramayana is scheduled for a worldwide IMAX release during Diwali 2026, with the second instalment set to follow in Diwali 2027.

With its teaser now out after seven years in the making, the film is being positioned as one of the most ambitious mythological projects attempted in Indian cinema.