Highlights:
Advance ticket sales for Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: Part 1 have opened at only a handful of theaters in India, as a reported dispute over box-office revenue sharing between distributors and exhibitors delays the wider rollout ahead of the film’s November 5 release.
Bookings were scheduled to open on October 20, coinciding with Dussehra. However, ticket sales remained limited across India on Tuesday as negotiations reportedly continued over how ticket revenue would be divided between distributors and theater operators.
According to a Sacnilk report cited by India TV, distributors are seeking a larger share of box-office earnings during the film’s opening weeks. The disagreement has reportedly left exhibitors reluctant to accept the proposed terms, creating uncertainty over when advance bookings will become widely available.
Why are ‘Ramayana’ advance bookings delayed?
The dispute centers on the share of ticket revenue received by distributors, who handle a film’s distribution, and exhibitors, who operate movie theaters.
For major Hindi-language releases, the reported standard arrangement gives distributors 52.5 per cent of ticket revenue in the first week, 45 per cent in the second week and 37.5 per cent in the third week.
For Ramayana: Part 1, distributors are reportedly seeking 60 per cent in the first week, 50 per cent in the second and 40 per cent in the third.
The proposed terms would increase the distributors’ share throughout the first three weeks, particularly during the opening week, when a major release typically attracts its largest audiences.
Exhibitors, meanwhile, must cover theater operating expenses and weigh the commercial risks of allocating screens to a film. The two sides are reportedly negotiating, but the disagreement has affected ticket availability at cinemas across India.
The delay does not mean advance bookings have been postponed nationwide. Instead, reservations have opened at select locations while broader commercial arrangements remain unresolved.
Where can audiences book tickets?
Some theaters have started accepting reservations despite the dispute.
According to Sacnilk, INOX Korum Mall in Thane and AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru were among the venues offering advance tickets.
Availability may vary by city and theater, with more locations potentially opening bookings as negotiations progress.
How much has Ramayana: Part 1 earned in advance sales?
Sacnilk’s first-day advance-booking update reported approximately $13,830 in gross ticket sales as of 1:34 p.m. IST on Tuesday (20) for the film’s November 5 opening day. The figure excluded approximately $3,284 worth of blocked seats.
The film had sold 2,517 tickets across 44 shows at 10 theaters in seven cities, according to the report.
Bengaluru led the reported city-level advance sales with approximately $10,250 in gross collections. Mysuru followed with about $1,636, while Shivamogga recorded approximately $1,136.
These figures reflect sales during the limited booking rollout at the time of the update. They could change significantly if more theaters begin accepting reservations.
When does the film release?
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. Its second installment is planned for Diwali 2027.
With the release date approaching, the outcome of the revenue-sharing negotiations could determine how quickly advance bookings expand across India. For now, ticket sales remain limited, and the reported box-office figures offer only an early snapshot of audience demand.
