The film "Ramayana: Rise of a Legend" held its global premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday, drawing enthusiastic crowds and notable attendance ahead of its scheduled theatrical release next week. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the event marked the debut of the first installment in a planned two-part adaptation of the ancient Indian epic.
Actors Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, who portray the central characters Rama, Sita, and Ravana, respectively, arrived on the red carpet alongside the director and producer. The stars engaged with fans and media, posing for photographs, granting interviews, and interacting with attendees along barricades. Inside the venue, the auditorium was filled with international celebrities and media representatives.
Ranbir Kapoor appeared in a textured ivory jacket paired with black trousers, while Sai Pallavi wore a pink sari adorned with silver detailing. Yash opted for an all-black ensemble accented by a gold brooch. Among the most animated moments were the fan chants directed at the lead actors—"Ravana" resounded as Yash made his way alongside his wife, and "RK" greeted Ranbir Kapoor.
During the event, Yash highlighted his Indian and Kannadiga heritage, emphasizing a message of perseverance: "where you come from will never stop how far you can go," underscoring a sense of pride while addressing the international audience.
The Los Angeles premiere serves as the initial phase in an expansive strategy to extend the "Ramayana" narrative beyond film. At a preceding Telugu pre-release ceremony in Hyderabad on October 19, producer Malhotra outlined ambitions to develop the franchise into a comprehensive cinematic universe. Plans include producing AAA video games, launching apparel and lifestyle merchandise, and integrating emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and metaverse experiences. Additionally, the creators have announced intentions to introduce theme park attractions, thereby broadening the story's reach across multiple entertainment platforms.