The opening of Ramayana is shaping up to be one of its most striking narrative choices. Instead of beginning with the familiar clash between Rama (played by Ranbir Kapoor) and Ravana (played by Yash), the film reportedly dives into a lesser-explored chapter of the epic.
The opening war sequence will focus on Ravana's confrontation with his half-brother Kubera near Mount Kailash, a moment that traces Ravana's rise to power. This sequence, briefly teased in the film's first glimpse earlier this month, stood out for its grand scale and visual ambition.
© Prime Focus Studios
More importantly, it sets the tone for the story by exploring events that precede Rama's journey, offering audiences a fresh narrative entry point into the epic.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the film appears to be building its world from the ground up, with this opening sequence positioned as a crucial foundation for the larger story. By focusing on Ravana's backstory first, the film aims to add depth and context before transitioning into the more widely known portions of the Ramayana.
The Ravana-Kubera Fight
In this chapter of the epic, Ravana seizes control of Lanka by overthrowing his half-brother Kubera, the original ruler of the golden city. But his conquest doesn't stop there. Determined to eliminate any lingering threat to his authority, Ravana relentlessly pursues Kubera all the way to Alakapuri, situated near the sacred Mount Kailash.
© Prime Focus Studios
This pursuit is not merely a physical chase but a symbolic assertion of Ravana's dominance, an effort to cement his supremacy beyond Lanka. Set against the majestic and mythologically rich landscape of Mount Kailash, the sequence blends scale, conflict, and atmosphere, offering a visually and emotionally charged moment.
By foregrounding this episode, Ramayana shifts early focus onto Ravana, exploring his rise before the central arc of Rama unfolds. This approach adds layers to his character, portraying him not just as the eventual antagonist, but as a complex figure driven by ambition, conquest, and an unyielding desire for power.
© Prime Focus Studios
About Ramayana
Ramayana is envisioned as a two-part cinematic epic, mounted on a massive global scale. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the project is being produced by Namit Malhotra under Prime Focus Studios, in collaboration with the eight-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, backed by Yash. The film is set for a worldwide IMAX release, with Part 1 arriving during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following in Diwali 2027.
The ensemble cast brings together Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as goddess Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.