The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming two-part film ‘Ramayana’ has come under fresh scrutiny after Shiv Sagar, grandson of the late filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, said he personally finds it difficult to accept the actor in the role.

Shiv Sagar, who is also a producer-director, said Ranbir’s previous screen image—particularly his role in Animal—creates what he described as “baggage” for a character as culturally and spiritually significant as Lord Ram. He said a relatively new face would, in his view, have been a better choice. 

Shiv Sagar prefers a fresh face for Ram

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sagar said he liked most of the film’s casting but disagreed with the choice of Ranbir Kapoor for Lord Ram.

He explained that when he thinks of Ram, he finds it difficult to separate Ranbir from the image created by his earlier roles. According to Shiv, a fresh actor without a strong association with previous characters could have allowed audiences to approach the role differently.

His comments were specifically about his personal perception of the casting, rather than a statement about Ranbir Kapoor’s acting ability. 

‘Animal’ image cited as the main concern

Shiv Sagar’s objection centres on Ranbir’s portrayal of Ranvijay Singh Balbir in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, a character that was markedly different from the traditional image associated with Lord Ram.

He argued that actors portraying revered mythological figures can carry the weight of their earlier screen identities into such roles. Shiv said this is why his family has generally preferred new faces for characters in their television productions.

The debate is particularly sensitive because Ramayana is not being treated merely as another fictional adaptation by many Indian viewers. Shiv stressed that Lord Ram is worshipped by millions and occupies a significant place in Indian cultural and religious life.

Yash and Sai Pallavi receive praise

While questioning Ranbir’s casting, Shiv Sagar praised the choices of Yash and Sai Pallavi.

Yash plays Ravana, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation. Shiv said both actors appeared suitable to him because, in his assessment, they did not carry the same kind of previous-role association that he believes Ranbir brings to the project. 

His comments come as the film’s casting continues to attract considerable public discussion ahead of its theatrical release.

Costume choices also questioned

Shiv Sagar also expressed reservations about some of the film’s costumes and other creative decisions.

He said that certain aspects of the casting and costume design could have been handled differently, while emphasising that ultimately the audience would determine whether the filmmakers’ choices worked.

The remarks add another layer to the ongoing discussion around the visual interpretation of the epic, particularly after promotional material and the trailer generated debate over character looks and costumes.

Why the casting debate matters

The casting discussion reflects a larger challenge faced by filmmakers adapting culturally revered stories for contemporary cinema: balancing star power and commercial reach with the expectations audiences attach to familiar religious and cultural figures.

Shiv Sagar acknowledged that casting a major star such as Ranbir could have commercial advantages, including helping the film’s marketing. However, he maintained that his personal preference would still be for a new face in the role of Ram.

Similar concerns about Ranbir’s Animal image have also been raised publicly by veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who recently argued that the association could affect how children and audiences perceive the character of Ram. 

‘Ramayana’ set for November 2026 release

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is planned as the first instalment of a two-part adaptation.

The makers have announced November 6, 2026 as the global theatrical release date for the first part. 

As the release approaches, the response to the casting, costumes, visual effects and overall interpretation is likely to remain an important part of the film’s public conversation.

Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, the much-awaited action-crime period drama starring Yash, has released in theatres on August 26, 2026. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film has generated considerable interest because of its large-scale production, star-studded cast and darker action-oriented premise.

The film has received an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The certification means the movie is restricted to adult audiences. According to the certification details available for the film, the CBFC cleared Toxic without any visual cuts, while directing the makers to mute and replace two words in the original Kannada version. Standard anti-smoking and anti-drinking disclaimers were also required.

Yash Leads Toxic in a Dual Role

Yash headlines Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups and is reported to appear in a dual role. The project marks a major collaboration between the actor and filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, known for her distinct storytelling approach.

The film's title itself suggests a departure from conventional action dramas, with the makers presenting it as a story designed for adult audiences. Its period setting, crime elements and action-driven narrative have been among the key talking points surrounding the release.

Star-Studded Cast

Alongside Yash, the film features Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth in important roles.

The combination of established actors from different Indian film industries has added to the film's pan-India appeal. Yash's presence is particularly significant following the enormous success of his KGF franchise, although Toxic represents a separate story and collaboration.

Toxic Gets ‘A’ Certificate

The CBFC has granted Toxic an ‘A’ certificate, making it an adults-only theatrical release.

Importantly, the film was reportedly cleared without visual cuts. The certification process did, however, result in changes to the audio of the original Kannada version, with two words ordered to be muted and replaced.

The film also carries the required health warnings related to smoking and drinking wherever applicable.

Runtime Crosses Three Hours

Toxic has a reported runtime of approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes. The lengthy runtime makes it one of the more substantial theatrical releases in terms of duration.

With its action, crime and period-drama elements, the film is expected to offer audiences an expansive cinematic experience rather than a compact action narrative.

Geetu Mohandas Directs the Film

Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas, who has taken charge of a project that represents a major scale-up from her earlier filmmaking work.

The film combines crime drama with action and period elements while maintaining the distinctive thematic identity suggested by its title. The makers have positioned it as a story aimed specifically at mature audiences.

Release Date and Languages

Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has released in theatres on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The film is being presented as a pan-India release, with the original Kannada version accompanied by dubbed versions for audiences in other major Indian-language markets. The theatrical release is expected to be closely watched given Yash's strong nationwide following.

Toxic Movie: Key Details

What Makes Toxic Important for Yash Fans?

Yash's popularity has grown substantially since the KGF films turned him into one of Indian cinema's most recognisable action stars. Toxic is therefore being watched closely as his next major theatrical project.

Unlike a continuation of the KGF storyline, the film introduces audiences to a new world, new characters and a different filmmaker. The combination of Yash's action-star image and Mohandas' direction has created strong curiosity around how the film balances spectacle with its crime-drama narrative.

With Toxic now in theatres, audience response, reviews and box-office performance will determine whether the film can match the enormous expectations surrounding Yash's return to the big screen.

A day before Toxic hits theatres, Yash shared a note from the film's team asking audiences to protect the viewing experience for others by avoiding spoilers and theatre recordings.

Yash has asked fans not to film scenes from Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups inside theatres or share spoilers on social media once the film releases on Wednesday. The actor posted a note from the film's team on Instagram late Tuesday evening, hours before the movie's worldwide theatrical release.

The note described the film as more than just a project for the team behind it, saying it represented years of work built scene by scene. It called Toxic "an experience made for the big screen as a community."

The team also thanked fans for the response the film had already received in advance bookings, saying the excitement and support meant more than they could express in words.

Towards the end, the note made a direct appeal to audiences: don't record scenes in theatres or post them online, and avoid giving away story beats that could spoil the film for others watching it later.

The request comes as Toxic heads into release with unusually high anticipation. The film marks Yash's return to the screen four years after KGF: Chapter 2, and its Day 1 advance bookings have already crossed Rs 35 crore, placing it among the top five South Indian openers by advance gross.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi and Rukmini Vasanth. The film releases in theatres on August 26.

With release just a day away, Yash's comeback film after KGF: Chapter 2 has crossed Rs 35 crore in Day 1 advance bookings, and trade trackers say the real surge could come from spot bookings on release day itself.

Yash's Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups had recorded a Day 1 advance booking gross of Rs 35.90 crore across all languages by Tuesday evening, with 10,41,503 tickets sold, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. Bookings remain open ahead of the film's worldwide theatrical release on Wednesday, August 26.

That figure places Toxic at No. 4 on the list of South Indian films with the highest Day 1 advance booking gross, behind Pushpa 2: The Rule (Rs 91.24 crore), Yash's own KGF: Chapter 2 (Rs 80.30 crore) and Leo (Rs 46.36 crore), and ahead of L2: Empuraan (Rs 11.28 crore). Earlier in the day, at 3.40 pm, Sacnilk had put the advance gross at Rs 35.31 crore direct, rising to Rs 45.13 crore once blocked seats were included, across 19,704 shows.

The Hindi version alone has crossed Rs 17 crore in net advance bookings, according to trade analyst Nishit Shaw, ahead of pre-release estimates of around Rs 15 crore. Trade analyst Girish Johar said advance collections across all languages had crossed Rs 30 crore, calling it the second-best advance figure of the year after Dhurandhar 2. The film has also sold over a million tickets on BookMyShow, making it only the second Kannada film after KGF: Chapter 2 to cross that mark.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic marks Yash's return to the big screen four years after KGF: Chapter 2, in which he plays a dual role as Raya and his son Ticket. The cast includes Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth and Sudev Nair. The Central Board of Film Certification has given the film an 'A' certificate; it runs 194 minutes and was shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.

Mounted on a reported budget of Rs 500 crore, the film is releasing 503 days after its originally announced date of April 10, 2025, having been pushed back multiple times. It is produced by Venkat K Narayana's KVN Productions and Yash's Monster Mind Creations.

Ahead of release, the Telangana government approved a temporary ticket price hike of Rs 50 in single screens and Rs 100 in multiplexes for ten days, on the condition that the producers contribute Rs 1 crore to a Telugu film employees' welfare fund and screen anti-narcotics advertisements during shows.

For comparison, KGF: Chapter 2 had closed its Day 1 advance at Rs 80.30 crore before going on to collect Rs 116 crore on release day once walk-in ticket sales were added. Trade watchers expect a similar pattern for Toxic, given the film's four-year gap since Yash's last release and the scale of screens booked across the country. Final Day 1 numbers, including spot bookings, are expected once the film opens Wednesday.

Mumbai: The makers of Ramayana have unveiled the film’s English-language trailer, introducing audiences to an advanced AI-powered lip-sync technology that has quickly become the biggest talking point among movie lovers. While the visuals remain largely identical to the previously released Hindi and multilingual trailers, the English version showcases Brahma AI, a technology designed to synchronize actors’ lip movements with dialogues in different languages.

The trailer, released a week after the original Hindi version, has received an overwhelmingly positive response on social media, with viewers calling it a significant leap in cinematic technology and a potential game-changer for global film distribution.

AI Lip-Sync Technology Steals the Spotlight

Unlike traditional dubbed films, where lip movements often fail to match translated dialogues, Ramayana uses Brahma AI, an artificial intelligence system developed by DNEG, to align facial movements with the spoken language.

The technology allows actors to appear as though they are naturally delivering dialogues in English while preserving their original expressions and performances.

According to the makers, the innovation is intended to make multilingual releases feel more authentic for international audiences.

Original Cast Voices in English

One of the film's biggest surprises is that the principal cast reportedly recorded their own English dialogues instead of relying on foreign voice actors.

This means Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and other leading actors retain their natural voices, helping preserve the emotional depth of their performances while making the film accessible to global audiences.

Fans Praise the Natural Look

Soon after the trailer's release, social media platforms were flooded with positive reactions.

Many viewers admitted they expected a conventional dubbed version but were surprised by how accurately the lip movements matched the English dialogues.

Several users described the AI synchronization as smooth and realistic, while others called it one of the most impressive examples of artificial intelligence being used in filmmaking.

The technology was widely praised for maintaining the actors' original identities instead of making them sound artificially different for international viewers.

Global Release Strategy

The English trailer reflects the makers' ambitious international vision for Ramayana.

By combining large-scale visual storytelling with advanced localization technology, the production team hopes to make the film accessible to audiences across multiple countries without compromising the authenticity of the performances.

Industry experts believe AI-driven dubbing and lip synchronization could become an important tool for future global film releases.

High Expectations Continue

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana remains one of India's most anticipated cinematic projects.

The film features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and has generated significant excitement since the release of its first teaser.

With the English trailer receiving positive feedback for both its visuals and technological innovation, expectations surrounding the film's worldwide release have grown even stronger.

Even before its theatrical release, director Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious mythological epic Ramayana has landed in controversy after the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh demanded a special screening of the film, warning of nationwide protests if any scenes are found to hurt religious sentiments.

The federation has written to the filmmakers and the production house, seeking permission to review the film before it reaches cinemas during the Diwali 2026 festive season. The organisation claims it has received information suggesting that certain scenes may contain portrayals capable of offending devotees of Lord Ram and followers of Sanatan Dharma.

Demand for Pre-Release Screening

Shri Ramlila Mahasangh president Arjun Kumar has urged the makers to organise a special screening for the federation's representatives before the film's worldwide release. According to the letter, the organisation wants to verify that the film presents Lord Ram, other characters from the Ramayana, and Hindu traditions with authenticity and respect.

The federation warned that if its demand is ignored and any objectionable content is found after release, it will organise demonstrations outside cinema halls across Delhi and other states in coordination with Hindu organisations.

Reference to Adipurush Controversy

The federation cited the 2023 film Adipurush as an example of how alleged inaccuracies and controversial depictions triggered widespread public protests.

According to the organisation, the portrayal of Lanka, Ravana and several other characters in Adipurush led to strong opposition from religious groups and Ramleela organisations, eventually affecting the film's public reception and box office performance.

The federation has appealed to the makers of Ramayana to avoid repeating similar mistakes.

No Response from Filmmakers Yet

As of now, director Nitesh Tiwari and the film's production houses have not issued any official statement regarding the federation's demands or the warning of protests.

Star-Studded Cast

Ramayana features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita. Kannada superstar Yash portrays Ravana, while Sunny Deol plays Lord Hanuman and Ravi Dubey appears as Lakshman.

The film also stars Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, along with Vivek Oberoi and Kunal Kapoor in pivotal roles.

Music by Rahman and Hans Zimmer

One of the biggest highlights of the project is its musical collaboration between Academy Award winners A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who are jointly composing the background score and soundtrack.

The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, while the visual effects are being handled by Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG.

India's Costliest Film

Media reports estimate the combined budget of the two-part franchise at nearly ₹4,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive film projects ever mounted in Indian cinema.

The first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026, while the second part is expected to arrive in Diwali 2027.

Released globally during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta on July 30, the trailer quickly became a talking point on social media. Apart from discussions in India, Pakistani YouTubers and digital creators shared detailed reviews, praising the film's visual effects, large-scale production and performances.

Among those reacting to the trailer was Pakistani content creator Mawia Umar Farooqi, popularly known for his entertainment and cricket-related content. Reviewing the trailer on social media, Farooqi said the film's reported massive budget was clearly reflected in its visuals and overall presentation.

He particularly appreciated the Hollywood-standard visual effects and the collaboration with international VFX studios, saying the trailer had genuinely increased his excitement for the film. According to him, the visuals suggested audiences could expect a grand cinematic experience when the film releases.

Farooqi also praised Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram and Yash's screen presence as Ravana, describing both actors as impactful in the trailer.

Pakistani YouTuber and film critic Hasnat Khan also reviewed the trailer, calling it one of the most visually impressive Indian film previews in recent years. He said the trailer successfully lived up to the enormous anticipation surrounding the project.

According to Hasnat, every frame appeared meticulously designed, with high-quality CGI, lighting, animation and action sequences. He noted that he did not notice any weak or unfinished visual effects, adding that the production quality matched international standards.

The reviewer also highlighted Yash's performance, saying the actor's commanding screen presence and action sequences immediately stood out. He described the introduction of Ravana as one of the trailer's strongest moments.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. The first instalment is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026, while the second part is planned for Diwali 2027.

The film features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol portrays Lord Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman. Veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's television adaptation, appears in the film as King Dasharatha.

The supporting cast also includes Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Vivek Oberoi and Kunal Kapoor in key roles.

Another major attraction of the project is its music. Academy Award-winning composers A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer have collaborated for the first time to create the film's background score and soundtrack, making the project one of the most ambitious musical collaborations in Indian cinema.

Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana is reportedly being made on a combined budget of nearly ₹4,000 crore, making it one of the costliest film projects ever undertaken in India. The visual effects are being handled by Oscar-winning VFX company DNEG, with the film also planned for an IMAX release.

The positive response from Pakistani reviewers reflects the growing cross-border interest in large-scale Indian cinematic productions, particularly those backed by cutting-edge technology and internationally recognised filmmaking talent.

Reacting to the recently released trailer on social media, Bharadwaj described Ramayana as a landmark cinematic project and said it had the potential to earn international recognition. He applauded the film's visual scale, production design, cinematography and music, calling it one of the most ambitious Indian productions in recent years.

Sharing the trailer on Instagram, Bharadwaj congratulated producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari, saying the filmmaker had delivered a project worthy of global appreciation. He also thanked Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer for collaborating with Indian cinema alongside A.R. Rahman, who has jointly composed the film's score.

The veteran actor reserved special praise for the film's visual effects, noting that the combination of VFX and AI-assisted filmmaking had created an impressive mythological world. According to him, the project could emerge as a strong contender for several international honours, including recognition for production design and cinematography.

Alongside his appreciation, Bharadwaj addressed Ranbir Kapoor directly in his post, saying the actor had now entered a phase where his responsibilities extended beyond acting alone.

He wrote that he had always admired Ranbir as a performer but believed portraying Lord Ram placed an added cultural responsibility on him. Bharadwaj urged the actor to choose films that celebrate India's heritage, traditions and values rather than projects similar to Animal. He also appealed to Ranbir to maintain dignity in his public conduct, adding that Indian cinema offers countless meaningful stories capable of showcasing his acting ability.

Bharadwaj also welcomed Kannada superstar Yash to what he described as the global stage, praising his portrayal of Ravana in the trailer. He said Ranbir Kapoor and Yash represented two of the strongest actors of the current generation and expressed confidence that both would leave a lasting impression through the film.

The actor further shared his hopes regarding Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita, saying he wished audiences would wholeheartedly accept her interpretation of the revered character. He also expressed a desire to hear verses from Goswami Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas, accompanied by traditional Indian instruments such as the mridangam and manjira, describing those sounds as deeply embedded in India's cultural consciousness.

Concluding his remarks, Bharadwaj said he intended to watch Ramayana at least five times as a mark of respect for the effort invested by the filmmakers in bringing the epic to the big screen.

The trailer for Ramayana was released globally during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta at 4:15 a.m. IST. It debuted simultaneously across multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

The trailer introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Veteran actor Arun Govil, who portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's legendary television adaptation, appears as King Dasharatha. Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi, while Rakul Preet Singh portrays Shurpanakha.

Music for the film has been composed jointly by Oscar winners A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations, the project is being released in two parts. The first instalment is scheduled to arrive in cinemas during Diwali 2026, while the second part is planned for Diwali 2027.

With an estimated budget of around ₹4,000 crore and visual effects handled by Oscar-winning studio DNEG, Ramayana is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most expensive productions in the history of Indian cinema.

Producer Namit Malhotra had earlier announced that the trailer would debut during Brahma Muhurat, a time regarded in Hindu tradition as highly auspicious for new beginnings. The unique release strategy generated significant curiosity among fans, with social media platforms witnessing widespread discussions even before the trailer went live.

The nearly four-minute trailer introduces the principal characters from the epic. Ranbir Kapoor appears as Lord Ram with a restrained and composed screen presence, while Sai Pallavi portrays Goddess Sita in a look that reflects simplicity and grace. Ravi Dubey makes his first appearance as Lakshman, presenting the younger brother's unwavering devotion and courage.

Among all the characters, Yash’s portrayal of Ravana has emerged as the biggest talking point. His commanding screen presence, elaborate costume design and powerful dialogue delivery have received widespread attention online. The trailer also offers glimpses of Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, connecting audiences to his legacy after portraying Lord Ram in the iconic 1987 television adaptation.

The visuals highlight the film’s large-scale production values, featuring expansive kingdoms, battle sequences and extensive visual effects designed to recreate the world of the ancient epic. The background score, composed jointly by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, adds to the trailer’s dramatic tone and has also attracted praise from viewers.

Soon after its release, reactions flooded social media. Many users described the trailer as visually grand and praised the casting, particularly Yash's Ravana and Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita. Several viewers also appreciated the decision to launch the trailer during Brahma Muhurat, calling it a thoughtful tribute to the cultural significance of the story.

At the same time, the trailer also received mixed responses from some viewers. A section of the audience questioned certain visual effects and dialogue delivery, while others felt the preview focused more on spectacle than emotional depth. Despite the differing opinions, the trailer quickly became one of the most discussed entertainment releases of the day, with hashtags related to the film trending across social media platforms.

Ramayana brings together one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Indian cinema. Alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, the film also features Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi and Kunal Kapoor in key roles.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is being produced by Namit Malhotra under Prime Focus Studios in association with Monster Mind Creations. Visual effects are being handled by the Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG, with the project reportedly mounted on one of the largest budgets in Indian film history.

The mythological saga will be released in two parts. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to arrive in cinemas during Diwali 2026, while Part 2 is planned for Diwali 2027, setting up a two-year cinematic adaptation of the revered epic.

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was originally scheduled to unveil its first official trailer at San Diego Comic-Con on July 24, positioning it as one of the biggest Indian film presentations at the global pop-culture event. Producer Namit Malhotra announced a postponement just before the scheduled launch, pushing the reveal to a later, unconfirmed date. Almost immediately after that announcement, clips began circulating on YouTube and X carrying titles like "Official Trailer Leaked" and "Ramayana SDCC Trailer."

None of it is real. Fact-checks by multiple outlets have confirmed the viral clips are fan-made edits, built using AI-generated visuals stitched together with footage lifted from other films and old concept videos. The visuals in these clips don't match anything the production has officially released, and none of the videos have been shared or acknowledged by the film's makers or its production banners.

This isn't the first time footage claiming to be from Ramayana has gone viral under murky circumstances. Roughly a week earlier, a separate video purporting to show leaked footage from an actual trailer screening event circulated online, appearing to show glimpses of Yash as Ravana, Arun Govil as King Dashratha and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. That leak was reportedly tied to an actual screening event where the trailer was played for a live audience before its official release; a source told Mid-day that Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari had activated anti-piracy partners to curb its spread, with takedown efforts underway. Unlike this week's clips, that footage was never conclusively confirmed as either authentic or fabricated by the makers.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Arun Govil as King Dashratha and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. Produced by Prime Focus Studios alongside DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, with music from Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, the film is being released as a two-part epic, with Part 1 arriving in cinemas on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following on Diwali 2027, both shot for IMAX.

With anticipation for the film running unusually high and the makers yet to confirm a revised trailer date, viewers should expect more of these AI-generated fakes to keep surfacing in the gap — official confirmation will only come directly from Malhotra, Tiwari or the studio's verified channels.

The event marked the official beginning of the promotional campaign for Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious mythological epic, which features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Along with the cast, several distinguished guests, including poet Kumar Vishwas, were present during the ceremony.

As Ranbir reached the stage, he first bowed before Sunny Deol and touched his feet as a mark of respect. He also greeted Kumar Vishwas in a similar manner. The heartfelt moment received loud applause inside the venue and soon went viral on social media, where fans praised the actor for displaying humility despite being one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

The ceremony was organised to unveil the next phase of Ramayana's promotional journey ahead of the worldwide trailer launch scheduled for July 24. During the event, the makers showcased exclusive footage from the film and reiterated their vision of presenting the Indian epic on a global scale.

Speaking at the event, Ranbir Kapoor paid tribute to veteran actor Arun Govil, whose portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s television adaptation remains iconic. Ranbir said he had grown up carrying the blessings of Shri Ram through Govil’s performance, acknowledging the legacy that inspired generations of audiences.

Sunny Deol, who plays Lord Hanuman in the film, described the role as one carrying immense responsibility. He admitted that portraying one of the most revered characters in Indian mythology has not been easy and said he still has a long journey ahead in completing the film. The actor sought the audience’s blessings and promised to give his best to the role.

Actor Yash, who also serves as a producer on the project, called Ramayana "India’s dream project" and said the film is driven by a shared vision rather than individual stardom. He praised Ranbir Kapoor’s dedication to the role of Lord Ram and described Sai Pallavi as a flawless performer whose commitment has strengthened the project.

The film is among the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema, with large-scale production, extensive visual effects and an ensemble cast. The first instalment is scheduled for a theatrical release during Diwali 2026, while the second chapter is expected to arrive in 2027.

While the event celebrated the scale and vision of the upcoming film, it was Ranbir Kapoor’s simple gesture towards Sunny Deol that resonated most with audiences. The moment reinforced the tradition of respecting senior artists in the film industry and became one of the defining images from the Ramayana launch.