Ramayana was first imagined as three films, then trimmed to two. Producer Namit Malhotra now says the longer plan could come back once the audience has its say.
The franchise is not locked
At the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Malhotra told international media the team first planned three parts, then decided to make two. Filming is still underway, so he offered no plot details. But he said that once response and feedback arrive, the makers may “sit back on the table and the drawing board” and add or subtract from the storyline.
That keeps Ramayana 3 as a real possibility rather than a confirmed title. No decision has been taken, and the format is being left open until real consumption data exists – an unusual posture for a project of this scale.
Two runtimes are already in play
The more immediate choice is about Part 1. Malhotra said there are two versions of Ramayana: Part 1 with different runtimes. The team is checking whether one cut can work for viewers worldwide or whether an extended edition should be considered. He compared the situation to The Lord of the Rings extended editions and said there is enough material to warrant a separate version within the same master version.
This is a distribution question as much as a creative one. A single global version simplifies IMAX bookings, marketing and release planning. Multiple runtimes can preserve a tighter theatrical cut while giving fans a longer version later, but they add cost and split the conversation.
What it means for the trade
- The two-part structure is the baseline, but a third part is not off the table.
- Audience testing will likely settle which runtime travels best across markets.
- The opening weeks become a signal for how the franchise is packaged next.
Ramayana: Part 1 – Rise of a Legend, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey in supporting roles. Prime Focus Studios, DNEG and Monster Mind Creations produce, with Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman on the score. It opens worldwide in standard and IMAX formats on November 5, 2026.
Media planners and distribution teams should track the first two weeks carefully. The response to the existing runtime options will likely shape whether the film remains two parts, adds an extended edition, or revisits the original three-part structure.
Source: bollywoodHungama.com
