Ramayana's English version to be 30 minutes shorter than Hindi cut, here's why

Ramayana (Pic/X)

After its grand unveiling at San Diego Comic-Con, Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayana is gearing up for a worldwide release in 2026. As the Nitesh Tiwari directorial prepares to reach international audiences, a report claims that its English version will be around 30 minutes shorter than the Hindi cut, with songs omitted and some scenes trimmed.

Ramayana English version to be shorter

As per a report in Variety, the English version of the film will reportedly be around 30 minutes shorter than the Hindi cut, making for a more concise edit aimed at global viewers. According to a source, "The film will not have any songs, and also some scenes will be trimmed to suit the palate of international audiences. While Indian audiences are used to three-hour-plus films with songs, that doesn't hold true for a global audience, which is why the producers took this decision."

The report further stated that the decision is strategic, as the makers position the film as an international-scale adaptation of one of India's most enduring epics. The songs do not take the story forward and are only to enhance the narrative for Indian audiences.

Apart from this, mid-day earlier reported that Ramayana's China cut will be 33 minutes shorter than the Indian version. Titled Ramayana: The Legend of the Prince, the edit is linked to China's strict content and censorship rules. However, the makers have not officially confirmed the 33-minute difference or revealed which portions have been removed.

More about Ramayana

On Ganesh Chaturthi, the makers of Ramayana unveiled its first song, ‘Jai Jai Ram'. Composed by A R Rahman and sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, the devotional track marks the film's musical journey with Shri Ram at its heart.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Shri Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana Part One will release in cinemas during Diwali 2026.

According to the latest update from Sony Pictures Australia, Ramayana Part 1 will release in Australian cinemas on November 5, 2026, a day before its official release date worldwide.