Bollywood’s upcoming fantasy drama Ramayana was recently screened for a select audience in Los Angeles on Monday, February 23, 2026. The special preview offered an early look at the epic ahead of its Diwali release. The project has already generated massive buzz across India and overseas.
Reports state that the screening was held at the Cinemark Playa Vista theater in Los Angeles. The audience reportedly included viewers between 18 and 60 years of age. They were shown a rough cut of the Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi starrer. Initial reactions were said to be positive.
The event was described as a test look organised by the Ramayana team. The aim was to evaluate audience response to the film’s scale and visual presentation. Viewers allegedly praised the grandeur and cinematic quality. The scale of the project stood out during the preview.
In an interview, producer Namit Malhotra spoke about the film’s massive investment. He stated that he has invested Rs 4000 crores into the movie. According to him, the scale and visuals were highly appreciated. He emphasised that the vision behind the film is ambitious.
Namit added that the shooting for part 1 is almost complete. He claimed that the first film was completed without borrowing a single rupee. He also revealed that many questioned whether he had the financial capacity to execute such a large scale project.
The producer further stated that he does not track the budget daily. For him, the priority remains delivering the right product without compromise. He mentioned that even he cannot fully explain how everything fell into place financially.
Ramayana has attracted attention not just for its budget but also for its talent. The presence of Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman has heightened global interest. The film aims to appeal to both Indian and international audiences through its visual spectacle.
Despite the excitement, some social media users have raised concerns about box office recovery. They question whether the film can recover its massive investment, even if it becomes an international blockbuster. The Indian market response will be crucial.
With a reported Rs 4000 crore budget, Ramayana is expected to be the most expensive Indian film ever made. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release. It is positioned as one of the grandest cinematic retellings of the epic.
