Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is gearing up for its theatrical release, with Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi leading one of the most ambitious Indian film projects in recent years. But the makers may have plans that go far beyond the two-part saga. Producer Namit Malhotra has now offered a glimpse into a much bigger vision for the franchise, one that could include spin-off films, AAA video games, theme parks, animation and several other experiences. In short, the Ramayana movies could be just the beginning of a massive entertainment universe!
Producer Namit Malhotra has made it clear that the journey of Ramayana is not meant to end after two films. If the vision comes together, audiences could get to explore several corners of the epic through different formats, with stories and characters that have fascinated generations finding new life on screen and beyond.
Ramayana Universe Could Expand With BIG Spin-Offs
The biggest talking point is the possibility of spin-off projects featuring some of the epic’s most iconic characters. The proposed lineup includes Hanuman, Surpanakha, Jatayu, Indrajit and Angad.
Stories based on the legend of Hanuman, the intimidating figure of Indrajit and the unknown aspects of other characters like Jatayu and Angad would also make for very interesting films as they would open up new avenues of storytelling within the vast universe of Ramayana while remaining outside the core story of central Rama-Ravana conflict.
However, these titles should be viewed as projects being explored or teased as part of the larger vision, rather than confirmed films with announced release dates.
‘The Movies Are Just The Beginning’
Speaking about the franchise’s long-term vision, Namit Malhotra explained that Ramayana was always intended to be much more than a couple of films. The epic has been passed down through generations and remains deeply rooted in Indian culture, giving the team a vast world of stories and experiences to explore.
“The idea is not to make one or two movies and stop the journey of Rama. In fact, it is to start this journey. On the back of this movie, we can actually start to open up the different areas of engagement,” Malhotra said.
That statement offers a clear glimpse into the ambition behind the project. Rather than wrapping everything up with the second instalment, the makers appear interested in building a wider franchise that allows audiences to engage with the epic in multiple ways.
AAA Games, Theme Parks, Animation And MORE On The Cards
And the plans don’t stop at spin-off films. A behind-the-scenes video outlining the broader vision also teased several ways to bring the Ramayana universe to audiences beyond theatres.
The proposed expansion includes:
- Spin-off movies and origin stories: Exploring characters such as Hanuman, Surpanakha, Jatayu, Indrajit and Angad.
- TV shows and animation: Bringing more stories from the epic to different audiences.
- AAA video games: Potentially letting fans experience the Ramayana world through interactive adventures.
- Theme parks: Immersive attractions inspired by the epic and its legendary characters.
- Merchandise: Apparel, toys, gadgets and home furnishings.
- Broadway musical: A theatrical adaptation that could take the story to an international stage.
- VR, AR and metaverse experiences: New ways for audiences to step into the world of the Ramayana.
Even if only a small portion of this vision comes to fruition, the franchise will extend to new audiences. In addition to moviegoers, there will be possibilities for gamers, for fans of animated films, for consumers of all kinds of merchandise and even for people who experience ‘immersive’ attractions.
Ramayana Movies Are Just The Starting Point
The two-part cinematic saga is currently in focus. The first part of Ramayana: The Rise of a Legend is scheduled to release in all countries across the world on November 5, 2026 and the second part will release on Diwali 2027.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, Sai Pallavi stars as Sita, Ravi Dubey portrays Lakshman and Yash takes on the role of Ravana. The cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva.
Ambition is clearly on display but to convert a so loved epic to an entertainment universe would require more than a series of press releases. The films first need to connect with the audience and then the spin-offs and rest of the projects need to offer content to return for.
Still, one thing is clear: the makers are thinking beyond a two-film saga. If the vision takes shape, the Ramayana universe could become one of India’s most ambitious entertainment franchises, with stories, games and experiences extending far beyond the cinema screen.
