Ramayana team showcases trailer at Comic-Con, inks Sony deal for global release

San Diego: The road to Ayodhya made a memorable stop at Comic-Con. The team behind Ramayana: Part One drew packed crowds at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, where lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra presented the film’s trailer, exclusive footage and songs from the upcoming mythological epic.

The panel was followed by a question-and-answer session, after which the cast and filmmakers joined fans for selfies. Photographs from the event quickly spread across social media, adding to the buzz surrounding one of India’s most ambitious film projects.

The session was moderated by Coy Jandreau, who later shared photographs with the team on social media and praised both the film and its creators.

“Honored to host the #Ramayana panel yesterday at #SDCC in Ballroom 20 with these legends! Yash, Ranbir Kapoor, Namit Malhotra and Nitesh Tiwari were every bit as incredible (and kind) as I thought they’d be. The trailer is astounding. Cannot wait for you all to get to see it,” Coy Jandreau wrote.

The Comic-Con appearance came just hours after Namit Malhotra announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle the film’s international distribution outside India, marking one of the biggest global partnerships for an Indian feature film.

Speaking about the collaboration, Ramayana: Part One producer Namit Malhotra said, “Our ambition has always been to honour that legacy while creating a cinematic experience worthy of audiences everywhere.”

He added, “Collaborating with Sony Pictures gives Ramayana an extraordinary opportunity to connect with international audiences and introduce this timeless story to moviegoers around the world.”

In a separate Instagram post, Namit Malhotra described the partnership as a milestone for Indian storytelling.

“This is special as it opens the door for people of the world to discover the richness of our culture and our stories with renewed pride and enthusiasm,” Ramayana: Part One producer Namit Malhotra said.

According to industry reports, Sony Pictures Entertainment is expected to invest around USD 25 million (approximately Rs 235 crore) in the film’s worldwide marketing campaign. The producers are reportedly set to contribute another USD 15 million (around Rs 140 crore), taking the combined promotional spend to an estimated USD 40 million, or roughly Rs 375 crore.

Including production and release expenses, Ramayana: Part One is reportedly being made on a budget of Rs 1,400 crore to Rs 1,500 crore. A similarly scaled second instalment is expected to follow, making the two-part saga one of the most expensive film franchises ever mounted in Indian cinema.

Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, although the makers are yet to announce an official release date. Industry reports suggest the film is targeting a theatrical release on November 8.

With a global distribution partner, one of the largest marketing budgets for an Indian film and an enthusiastic reception at Comic-Con, Ramayana: Part One is steadily building momentum ahead of what is expected to be one of the biggest cinematic releases of the year.