Admittedly, when I looked at the fall/winter 2026 movie schedule, the Indian epic Ramayana: Rise of a Legend (aka Ramayana: Part 1 ) was not on my radar. Sure, like many, I was anticipating seeing Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday , but Ramayana didn’t make the cut. And allow me to admit this was my error, as it’s one of the most visually stunning films you’re likely to see this year, and that’s in large part due to producer Namit Malhotra.

Based on a popular ancient tale known by billions, the film follows the story of good and evil and everything in between. On one hand, you have Rama (Ranbir Kapoor), who is a prince bound by sacrifice, being groomed to save the world. While on the other hand, you have the immortal king Ravana (Yash), driven by vengeance and a quest to get and maintain power. Their paths are destined to cross, as it has already been written in a prophecy. But will either one be able to alter a foretold fate?…