As promotional activities for Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious epic Ramayana: Part One kick off, producer Namit Malhotra and actor Yash headed to Las Vegas to showcase the film’ assets at CinemaCon 2026.

At the prestigious global gathering of theatre owners and industry professionals, the duo introduced Ramayana Part One to international audiences. Alongside the presentation, they also engaged in multiple interactions and interviews, where they elaborated on the film’s grand vision, scale, and cinematic ambition.

Ramayana: Part One is the latest cinematic retelling of the ancient epic Ramayana, traditionally attributed to Valmiki, one of the oldest and most revered works of literature in the world.

© Prime Focus Studios

The story follows Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, as he takes on the asura king Ravana, played by Yash, after the latter abducts his wife Sita, essayed by Sai Pallavi. Deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the Indian subcontinent, the epic continues to hold immense spiritual and emotional significance for millions.

Speaking to Reuters, Yash shared his approach to portraying Ravana, highlighting a more layered interpretation of the character. “I have tried to internalise... the whole essence of Ravana and tried to make him as human as possible at times,” he said, adding that “it's important for people to relate to him.”

The first glimpse of Ramayana: Part One, titled ‘Rama,’ was released globally earlier this month, drawing a mixed response. While many viewers appreciated the film’s scale and visual effects, a section of the audience criticised the design of certain characters, especially the asuras, for appearing too Western in style.

© Prime Focus Studios

Addressing the feedback, Yash spoke about the creative choices behind Ravana and the asura world, explaining the intent to appeal to a broader audience. He said,“Since we have global ambitions, we need to make it familiar to a Western audience as well.”

Namit Malhotra shared that Ramayana: Part One aims to merge large-scale fantasy with grounded human storytelling, drawing inspiration from global epics like The Lord of the Rings and Gladiator.

He emphasised that the film is designed to deliver a unique cinematic experience, stating, “It will promise a very different experience, unlike anything that traditional Indian movies offer or even Hollywood, for that matter. It's meant for the world, and it's got the best of the East and the best of the West coming together to make it happen.”

© Prime Focus Studios

Ramayana: Part One is set for a grand global release on November 8, aligning with the festive occasion of Diwali. The makers have planned the saga as a two-part epic, with the second instalment scheduled to arrive in 2027.

In addition to Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, the film also features Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, rounding out a star-studded ensemble for the mythological spectacle.