Ramayana Part 2 pushed to Diwali 2028, makers say

The second part of the epic film Ramayana will now arrive in cinemas on Diwali 2028, a year later than first announced. The film's makers have confirmed the new date, which was first reported on 23 October.

The first part, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, released in theatres on 5 November. Fans were heading to cinemas from 7 am in India. The makers had earlier announced that the sequel would arrive on Diwali 2027.

In an interview with E! News, producer Namit Malhotra explained the delay. He said the film had grown into a global production, and the team wanted more time. "That extra year is what I genuinely believe we need to do justice for a film of this size," he said. He added that the team did not want to "do a rush job or get ahead of ourselves".

A possible trilogy

Malhotra also said the epic was first planned as a trilogy but was later cut to two parts. He said the team could still revisit the plan. "I feel like we may sit back on the drawing board and see if there's anything else that we want to add or subtract, depending on how the world has received it," he said. He pointed out that Part 1 already has two versions with different runtimes.

The makers have also said the first film ends with Sunny Deol's appearance as Lord Hanuman during the closing credits. That scene is meant to build anticipation for the sequel.

For Indian audiences, the delay means a longer wait for the conclusion of the story, which was set to be released in two instalments. Ticket prices and booking details for the sequel have not been announced.

It is not yet clear whether the story will be split into three films. Malhotra has not confirmed a third part, and said the decision will depend on audience response to the first film.