KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 — Gods, demons, flying chariots and larger-than-life battles take centre stage in Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious big-screen adaptation of one of Hinduism’s most revered epics.

With sweeping visuals, elaborate world-building and a production scale rarely seen in Indian cinema, the first instalment transforms the ancient tale of Lord Rama into a lavish cinematic spectacle.

Attributed to the poet-sage Valmiki, the Ramayana chronicles Rama’s devotion to righteousness, the abduction of his wife Sita by the 10-headed demon king Ravana, and the enduring battle between good and evil.

The epic has inspired numerous film and television adaptations over the decades, but Tiwari’s version sets its sights on a much grander cinematic experience.

Sony Pictures Malaysia hosted a gala premiere at TGV Suria KLCC on November 5, coinciding with the film’s release in Malaysian cinemas.

The venue came alive with traditional Indian performances, food and guests dressed in traditional attire, setting the scene for the screening.

Malay Mail was among those in attendance for a first look at the ambitious retelling.

Here is what makes this 2026 adaptation stand out.

A visual spectacle

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its stunning visuals and elaborate world-building.

From majestic kingdoms and snow-capped mountains to intricately designed palaces and mythical landscapes, the film creates a richly detailed world that feels both fantastical and immersive.

Its visual ambition recalls Hollywood fantasy blockbusters such as The Lord of the Rings and Dune, bringing the ancient Indian epic to life on a similarly grand scale.

Among the standout creations are Ravana’s flying chariot and the giant divine bird Jatayu, both brought to life through striking visual effects.

The action sequences are equally impressive, combining elaborate choreography, motion-capture performances, sweeping camera movements and dramatic slow-motion shots.

Adding to the spectacle is a powerful score by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, giving the film a suitably epic musical backdrop.

As the first chapter of the saga, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend follows Prince Rama’s early journey, his marriage to Princess Sita, their 14-year exile and Sita’s eventual abduction by Ravana.

One of its most memorable sequences is the climactic aerial battle between Ravana and Jatayu, which brings the first instalment to a dramatic close.

Despite its blockbuster ambitions, the film remains grounded in the epic’s central themes of duty, sacrifice, righteousness and the struggle between good and evil.

An ambitious undertaking

Ramayana: Rise of a Legend boasts an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.

At the centre of the production is producer Namit Malhotra, who has positioned the adaptation as India's answer to global fantasy and superhero franchises such as Star Wars, Avengers and The Lord of the Rings.

“Our film has the scale that audiences around the world know and love, but it presents a culture and story that is new to the West.

“It is a classical representation of family, emotions, and sacrifice.

“It’s great for Hollywood to bring out something original, and it’s exciting for us because the film dissolves those lines of culture,” Malhotra said.

“It becomes one audience, one movie, one story and one emotion,” he added in a statement.

The production has also attracted attention for its enormous budget, with the two-part project reportedly costing approximately ₹4,000 crore (around RM1.73 billion), including release and promotional expenses.

The figure places the project among the most ambitious and expensive undertakings in Indian cinema.

Beyond the spectacle and star power, the film also offers an opportunity to introduce the Ramayana to audiences less familiar with the epic.

Its grand theatrical presentation, supporting performances and visually striking battle sequences provide plenty of blockbuster appeal, while its themes of loyalty, family and sacrifice give the story a universal dimension.

For Malaysia’s multicultural cinema-going audience, the film demonstrates how a story deeply rooted in Indian culture can resonate beyond its traditional audience.

And this is only the beginning.

The second instalment, Ramayana: Part Two, is expected to bring the conflict between Rama and Ravana to its climax, following Rama’s mission to rescue Sita, with Hanuman set to play a more prominent role.

The sequel is scheduled for release during Deepavali 2028.

With its sweeping visuals, larger-than-life battles and ambitious world-building, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend delivers an impressive opening chapter that honours the spirit of the ancient epic while embracing the spectacle of modern blockbuster filmmaking.

The film is now showing in Malaysian cinemas, including IMAX 3D.