02 April,2026 11:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film Ramayana has kept fans on the edge of thier seats. The buzz surrounding the film heightened when the makers, last week, announced the launch of the Rama teaser on April 2. However, many were left disappointed after the teaser was unveiled in Los Angeles on March 31, ahead of its India release. The decision led to backlash online, with many questioning why an Indian film was first showcased overseas.
The teaser, which was scheduled to drop in India on April 2, was premiered earlier in LA, triggering backlash across social media. Fans claimed that prioritising an international region and audience for the first glimpse of a film that's culturally rooted in India was misplaced. Some even accused the makers of sidelining domestic viewers.
Soon after the visuals from the LA unveiling surfaced, users expressed their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why the teaser was not released in India first, given its roots in Indian mythology. Several posts online suggested the move was driven by commercial considerations, with claims that the makers were focusing on overseas markets, particularly NRIs. Meanwhile, others called the move "disrespectful", asserting that audiences in India should have been prioritised for the initial reveal.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi stars as Goddess Sita. The film also features Yash as Ravana, alongside Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Supporting roles include Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil, and Kunal Kapoor, among others.
Ramayana is planned as a two-part epic, with the first instalment slated for a theatrical release on Diwali 2026, followed by the second chapter expected to arrive on Diwali 2027.
Nevertheless, the teaser controversy has added to the anticipation surrounding Ramayana. The teaser was officially launched in India on Friday, April 2, and has been receiving an overwhelming response. The Rama teaser introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, who looks regal in his king avatar, fierce as a warrior, and righteous in the exile avatar.
