Mumbai: The anticipation surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus, ‘Ramayana Part 1’, continues to build as new details regarding the epic’s runtime and advance booking schedules have emerged. Starring Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, the highly awaited mythological film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5.
As the promotional campaign gears up, early reports from the international market suggest a lengthy cinematic experience. According to Venky Box Office, which tracks the American market, the tentative runtime of ‘Ramayana Part 1’ clocks in at a substantial 3 hours and 15 minutes. However, the film’s makers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are yet to release an official statement regarding the exact duration.
Fans will not have to wait long to secure their seats. The makers recently announced that advance bookings for the film will officially open in India on the festive occasion of Dussehra, October 20. In a strategic move to capture the massive overseas market, ticket sales in the United States are expected to commence five days earlier, starting October 15. Global distribution is being handled by Sony Pictures, while Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has taken charge of the domestic distribution across India.
Adding to the growing excitement, the official Instagram handle for the film recently unveiled a special character poster of Jatayu, voiced by veteran actor Anupam Kher. Sharing the striking visual, the makers captioned the post, “When evil took flight, courage faced it. He fought not for victory, but for what was right. Jatayu. Anupam Kher as Jatayu in Ramayana.”
The cinematic adaptation boasts a formidable pan-Indian ensemble cast. Alongside Kapoor as Lord Ram, the film features actress Sai Pallavi portraying Goddess Sita, while Kannada superstar Yash steps into the shoes of the demon king Raavan. Bollywood veteran Sunny Deol will be seen playing the role of Lord Hanuman. The extensive cast also includes renowned actors such as Arun Govil, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, and Ravi Dubey.
With its massive scale, stellar star cast, and a reported three-hour-plus runtime, ‘Ramayana Part 1’ is shaping up to be one of the biggest theatrical spectacles of the year.