Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited Ramayana: Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, will reach Australian cinemas a day ahead of its scheduled worldwide release, giving the Indian epic an early international start during the Diwali season.
The film is now set to open in Australia on November 5, 2026, while its wider international and Indian theatrical release is scheduled for November 6. The early overseas rollout comes as Ramayana faces a major box-office clash with the Hollywood film Godzilla Minus Zero, which is also targeting the Diwali period.
Why Ramayana Is Releasing Early in Australia
The Australian release gives Ramayana: Part 1 a one-day head start in an important overseas market. The decision appears aimed at maximising the film's international theatrical opportunity before the wider Diwali-weekend competition begins.
The makers have positioned Ramayana as a global-scale Indian production, and its international release strategy is therefore an important part of the film's theatrical campaign. The film is expected to be released worldwide on November 6.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey has been cast as Lakshman.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 is the first instalment of a planned two-part adaptation of the Indian epic. The project has attracted considerable attention because of its large-scale production, extensive visual effects and international ambitions.
The film's technical preparation has also been unusually extensive. Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar recently revealed that the team pre-visualised every shot using motion-capture technology during production planning, allowing Tiwari and the crew to work out the visual language before filming.
Diwali Box Office Clash With Godzilla
The November release places Ramayana directly in the middle of one of the year's most important theatrical windows.
The film's early Australian release comes amid competition from Godzilla Minus Zero. The Hollywood title's arrival around the same festive period means international markets could become an important battleground for both films.
For Ramayana, the Australia advance could help the film begin its overseas run before the wider international market becomes crowded.
Film Has Already Generated Casting Debate
Even before its theatrical release, Ramayana has attracted discussion around its casting and interpretation of the epic.
Shiv Sagar, grandson of filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, recently questioned Ranbir Kapoor's suitability for the role of Lord Ram while praising Yash's casting as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita. His comments reflect an ongoing public debate about how the revered characters should be portrayed on screen.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has also expressed reservations about Kapoor's casting, particularly in the context of his previous role in Animal. These are individual opinions rather than an indication of the film's final audience response.
What to Expect From Ramayana Part 1
The film is being mounted on a large scale with Prime Focus Studios, Monster Mind Creations and DNEG involved in its production and visual-effects work. The cast also includes several established actors in supporting roles.
With the Australian release now scheduled for November 5 and the broader theatrical rollout beginning November 6, Ramayana: Part 1 is heading into a highly competitive Diwali window.
The early Australia opening will provide the first indication of international audience interest before the film's wider global release.
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