Ranbir Kapoor, Yash unveil Ramayana at Comic-Con, $40M campaign begins

The 'Ramayana' team, comprising of lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, took over San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, where they debuted their film's trailer and other clips and songs from the upcoming epic. Following a Q and A session, the team got together for selfies with the audience, photos of which are now going viral on social media.The panel was moderated by Coy Jandreau, who later shared the selfies with the team on social media. Expressing his excitement about the experience, Jandreau wrote, "Honored to host the #Ramayana panel yesterday at #SDCC in Ballroom 20 with these legends! #Yash, #RanbirKapoor, 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."The Comic-Con appearance came hours after after producer Namit Malhotra announced a major international distribution partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which will handle the film's global distribution outside India. Speaking about the collaboration, Malhotra said in a statement, "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."According to industry reports, the Sony partnership will reportedly see the distributor invest heavily in the film's worldwide promotion. Reports suggest that the company has committed approximately USD 25 million (around Rs 235 crore) towards the film's marketing, while the producers are expected to contribute another USD 15 million (around Rs 140 crore). Together, the combined marketing spend is estimated at USD 40 million (approximately Rs 375 crore).Including production and release costs, 'Ramayana: Part One' is reportedly being mounted on a budget of Rs 1,400-1,500 crore. With Part Two expected to incur similar costs, making it one of the most expensive film projects in Indian cinema.In a post on Instagram, the producer said the collaboration marks a significant 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' is currently targeting a Diwali 2026 release. An official release date for the film is still awaited. Meanwhile, reports state that the film is eyeing a November 8, release.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!