Apr 02, 2026 4:56pm IST
Why Ranbir Kapoor Fans Should Celebrate Instead Of Being Upset
The first “Ramayana” teaser dropped today for Indian as well as global audiences. However, producer Namit Malhotra premiered the same “First Glimpse: Rama” teaser in the US on March 31 (in Los Angeles) and April 1 (in New York). Ranbir Kapoor and director Nitesh Tiwari, along with Namit, first travelled to Los Angeles and then to New York to present the first visuals of Ramayana to select audiences.
Now there is chatter online about Ranbir Kapoor fans being upset with this “second hand treatment.” Which is amusing, because the teaser premiere happened worldwide at the same time.
Firstly, any fan of Ranbir Kapoor should be elated that his film is aiming to woo a global audience; thereby, creating an opportunity to make Kapoor a global star.
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Secondly, if Hollywood superstars like Tom Cruise (in 2011 for “M:I - Ghost Protocol” and Will Smith (in 2017 for Netflix’s “Bright”) can come to India to promote their films, why shouldn’t an Indian maker and actor look at avenues beyond India? It’s called expanding markets. Why should only American films screen in theatres worldwide? If an Indian film is attempting to compete with Hollywood, the industry and the audiences here should collectively cheer that effort.
“Ramayana” is a story that every Indian knows. Even the Asian diaspora is a natural audience for this film. However, it’s important to create curiosity in audiences in the West, by giving them a glimpse, and then keep building enthusiasm, leading up to the release. Tickets sales in dollars will be the silver lining, but the real win will be a desi film running to packed theatres in cities across the world. It will be a matter of pride for every Indian; more so for Ranbir’s fans, who should be celebrating, instead of being “upset.”
While not every Indian film can be of interest to the Western audience, “Ramayana” is a story that has the potential to connect with audiences worldwide. It’s a big screen spectacle with heroes and demons, the epic magnitude of the fantastical world and the potential to create fandoms like Marvel and DC have.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, ”Ramayana” is being mounted as a two-part film set 5,000 years ago. The film boasts of an ensemble cast: Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The first part is slated for a Diwali 2026 release and the second will arrive in Diwali 2027.
PS: On April 1, Malhotra hosted a select screening for the media persona and for friends at his home.
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