Ramayana to release 5 November, three days before Diwali

Ramayana will hit cinemas on Thursday, 5 November, three days before Diwali, which falls on Sunday, 8 November. The release date has surprised the film trade, since filmmakers usually avoid the days before the festival.

The days before Diwali are normally slow for the box office. Audiences are busy with shopping, travel and festival preparations, and footfalls tend to fall. Collections also dip on Diwali evening because of Lakshmi Puja.

The trade has estimated that the Hindi version could open at around ₹60 crore net. Advance bookings point in that direction. Overseas, the film is expected to beat the opening weekend of Dhurandhar 2 in North America.

A risky window

The pre-Diwali period is a test for any big release. Trade watchers note that several large films have struggled in this stretch in the past. The team has chosen to test that pattern.

The opening is also being compared with an older case. In 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge opened below several major releases of that year, but its collections rose sharply once the Diwali holidays began. That history suggests a slow start does not always set the final result.

For readers, the film's run may also mean a choice of showtimes during the festive week. Those planning a visit to cinemas before Diwali may find more seats available on weekday shows.

The early numbers will show whether the film can beat the usual festive slowdown. If reviews are positive, trade analysts say collections could rise from Monday. Final collections for the opening days have not been reported yet.