Highlights:
- Ramayana Part 1 tops IMDb’s most anticipated movies list.
- Ranbir Kapoor says playing Lord Ram changed his life.
- The film is being viewed differently from Adipurush.
- Director Nitesh Tiwari has emphasized authenticity and responsibility.
- The two-part epic combines global visual effects with traditional storytelling.
When IMDb released its list of the most anticipated Indian films for the second half of 2026, one title stood above the rest: Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1. While blockbuster names filled the rankings, the film’s No. 1 position signals something deeper than box office curiosity. It reflects renewed confidence in a story that has been adapted countless times, but one audiences believe deserves another chance.
Unlike previous retellings, including 2023’s Adipurush, which drew widespread criticism for its visual effects, dialogue, and creative liberties, Ramayana Part 1 is building anticipation around authenticity and respect for the source material.
Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram, has repeatedly described the role as more than another acting assignment. Speaking at a promotional event earlier this year, he admitted that he initially doubted whether he was worthy of portraying the iconic character.
“I felt I wasn’t good enough,” Kapoor said, explaining that accepting the role eventually became a turning point in his personal life after becoming a father. He has since called the project “life-defining,” saying it reshaped his values and outlook.
The actor has also spoken about the scale of the production, calling it “India's greatest story” and praising producer Namit Malhotra for bringing together artists and technicians from around the world to tell it using modern filmmaking technology.
Director Nitesh Tiwari has acknowledged the enormous responsibility that comes with adapting one of the world's most revered epics. In a recent interview, he said taking on Ramayana felt “intimidated, challenged and inspired,” emphasizing the moral responsibility behind presenting the story faithfully.
That commitment appears to be resonating with audiences.
Veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s television series, has urged people not to compare the new film with earlier adaptations or Adipurush. He believes every generation deserves its own interpretation while maintaining respect for the characters.
Meanwhile, actress Deepika Chikhalia, remembered for playing Sita in the classic TV series, recently endorsed the casting of Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. She described both actors as “phenomenal” choices and said they would portray their characters “very beautifully.”
The film’s early buzz also stems from its scale. Produced as a two-part epic, Ramayana features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Every major sequence has reportedly been pre-visualized before filming, reflecting the filmmakers’ emphasis on detailed world-building rather than spectacle alone.
IMDb’s ranking reflects that growing anticipation. Alongside Ramayana Part 1, the list includes Alpha, Toxic, King, Dhamaal 4, Drishyam 3, and Mirzapur: The Movie. Yet Ramayana remains the clear frontrunner, powered by a combination of mythology, star power, and audience expectations.
After the disappointment surrounding Adipurush, viewers appear ready to embrace another cinematic retelling—but only if it balances visual grandeur with emotional depth and cultural authenticity. That expectation, more than the film’s cast or budget, may explain why Ramayana Part 1 has emerged as India’s most anticipated release of 2026.
