Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash Tops IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies List

The highly anticipated epic adaptation of the ancient Indian saga, Ramayana Part 1, has officially claimed the number one spot on IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies list for the second half of 2026. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal), the grand-scale production has emerged as the most-searched-for Indian title online, reflecting massive audience curiosity. The ranking was compiled using organic page-view data generated by IMDb’s global user base, which exceeds 250 million monthly visitors, tracking engagement metrics from July through December.

The film's chart-topping status is fueled by its powerhouse ensemble cast and ambitious production scale. Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is set to portray the revered deity Lord Ram, while Kannada cinema icon Yash, celebrated globally for the K.G.F. franchise, will take on the formidable role of the antagonist Lankesh (Ravana). Yash is also reportedly onboard as a co-producer, bringing significant trade interest from both the Hindi and South Indian film industries. Acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi is slated to play Sita, cementing the project’s pan-Indian appeal.

Industry analysts view the film's early digital dominance as a testament to the growing demand for high-budget, culturally significant spectacles in Indian cinema. Following the global box-office success of mythological and speculative fiction blockbusters like Kalki 2898 AD and Brahmāstra, Ramayana Part 1 represents one of the most expensive undertakings in Indian cinematic history. Visual effects are reportedly being executed by the Oscar-winning VFX house DNEG, necessitating an extensive post-production timeline that stretches into late 2026.

Key Highlights of the Production:

• Director: Nitesh Tiwari, known for delivering India's highest-grossing film of all time, Dangal.
• Lead Cast: Ranbir Kapoor (Ram), Sai Pallavi (Sita), and Yash (Lankesh).
• VFX Partner: DNEG, ensuring world-class cinematic scale.
• Release Window: Slated for a major theatrical rollout in the second half of 2026.

As Indian cinema continues to consolidate its domestic markets and expand its international footprint, Ramayana is poised to be a landmark release. The film's ability to capture the peak spot on IMDb's anticipation index—well ahead of its scheduled release window—underscores a robust global appetite for classical Indian narratives reimagined with cutting-edge cinematic technology.