Ramayana LA Premiere: Ranbir, Yash, Sai Pallavi Stun on Red Carpet
Ramayana, one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made, had its star-studded world premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, a week before its worldwide theatrical release on November 5. Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi walked the red carpet at the David Geffen Theatre of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, joined by director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra.
A global stage for an Indian epic
The premiere was held at the prestigious Academy Museum venue, which has hosted premieres of leading Hollywood films. The by-invitation-only screening was shown in 3D to an audience of up to 945 guests, including Hollywood personalities, filmmakers, international journalists and members of the film fraternity. Guests were asked to turn up in traditional Indian festive wear ahead of Diwali, adding a celebratory Indian touch to the Los Angeles evening.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, Sai Pallavi plays Sita and Yash plays Ravana in the two-part epic, with Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The film is produced by Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, and is reported to have a combined budget of over Rs 4,000 crore for both parts.
Red carpet moments
Photos and videos from the evening showed the stars posing for photographers, speaking to reporters and stopping for selfies with fans along the barricades. Ranbir, who plays Rama, kept it understated in a textured ivory jacket and black trousers. Sai Pallavi, cast as Sita, wore a pink saree with silver detailing. Yash, who plays Ravana, went for all black, finished with a gold brooch.
The loudest reactions were for the two leading men. Fans chanted “Ravana” as Yash walked the carpet with his wife, and called out “RK” when Ranbir arrived. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith also graced the red carpet in a blue gown.
Yash on roots and storytelling
Speaking at the premiere, Yash reflected on the cultural and generational significance of Ramayana, which has been part of Indian storytelling tradition for centuries. “Where you start can never define how far you can go. Today, I am proud of being a member of the Kannada film industry, telling our story, which is not just a story,” he said. “In our country, we just don’t tell the story, we remember it, and we pass it down for generations to come and this story has travelled for thousands of years,” he added.
Producer Namit Malhotra told PTI ahead of the premiere that it was a great moment to showcase the story to the world on such a grand scale. At the film’s Telugu pre-release event in Hyderabad on October 19, Malhotra laid out a vision for turning the saga into a wide-reaching cinematic universe, comparing his ambitions to global franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars.
What comes next
The first instalment, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, chronicles Rama’s early life and marriage to Sita, culminating in the royal decision that forces the couple into a 14-year exile, and is expected to conclude with the abduction of Sita, setting up the central conflict for the second part, due during Diwali 2027. The visual effects come from DNEG, an eight-time Academy Award winner for visual effects, while Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman are working together for the first time on this project.
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Sources: The Hindu, Gulf News, Moneycontrol, Hollywood Reporter India.