The makers of Valmiki Ramayana unveiled the film's first poster on the occasion of Ram Navami, while also confirming its theatrical release date as Oct. 2, 2026, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
The first poster sets a calm, spiritual tone, focusing on devotion rather than grandeur. It features the feet of Lord Ram—an image that reflects humility and respect, and represents the cultural tradition of seeking blessings before starting something sacred.
Sharing the poster on social media, production designer Sabu Cyril wrote, “As long as mountains stand and rivers flow, the Ramayana will live on.” The line highlights the timeless nature of the epic and adds emotional depth to the announcement.
Directed by Bhavna Talwar, the film brings together a strong technical and creative team. Production designer Sabu Cyril is leading the visual design, while Anand Neelakantan has written the screenplay based on the original text. Cinematography is handled by Binod Pradhan, and the sound design is led by Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty. Filmmaker Chandraprakash Dwivedi joins as creative consultant and dialogue writer.
About Valmiki Ramayana
The film is designed to remain faithful to the original Valmiki Ramayana, one of the oldest Sanskrit epics and a key part of Indian literature. Thought to have been composed between 500 and 100 BCE, it consists of nearly 24,000 verses across seven sections. The story follows Lord Ram, the prince of Ayodhya, his exile, the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana, and her rescue with the help of allies like Hanuman. The epic explores themes of dharma (duty), morality, family, and governance, and has influenced countless retellings across cultures.
Unlike large-scale mythological spectacles, Valmiki Ramayana is being made in a simple and thoughtful way, with a stronger focus on emotions and its spiritual depth. The film is expected to offer a cinematic experience that resonates across generations while staying rooted in the original narrative.
The film marks Talwar's fourth directorial venture after Dharm (2007), Heidi: Queen Of The Mountain (2017), and Happi (2019).
With its release locked for Oct. 2, the film positions itself as a major festive release, aiming to bring a timeless story back to the big screen with renewed sensitivity and depth.
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