Ramayana is shaping up as a landmark film, with A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer’s rare musical collaboration aiming to reimagine the epic for a global audience while staying rooted in tradition
Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is fast emerging as one of the most emotionally anticipated and culturally significant Indian films in recent memory.
Since its first glimpse in 2025, the project has sparked intense curiosity, driven by its epic scale and deep mythological resonance. Yet beyond the spectacle, it is the film’s music that has become a focal point of discussion,bringing together A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer in an unprecedented collaboration that bridges Indian and global cinematic traditions.
Speaking recently to The Hollywood Reporter India, Rahman described the experience as both exhilarating and daunting. He revealed that while his sessions with Zimmer have so far been limited, the magnitude of what they are attempting is impossible to ignore. “It’s terrifying for both of us,” Rahman said, acknowledging the challenge of scoring a story that is universally known and deeply sacred. “We’re taking something so epic, which every Indian knows, and trying to give them something new, something the world can receive from India.”
Rahman explained that their approach involves building new sonic worlds without losing the essence of the Ramayana. Early promotional material, he noted, reflects this exchange, with Zimmer’s soundscapes forming a base that Rahman later layered with Sanskrit elements. The process, he said, demands both innovation and restraint.
To achieve this balance, Rahman has immersed himself in the text with lyricist and scholar Dr Kumar Vishwas, whose command over the Ramayana and Hindi language he praised deeply. Letting go of fixed notions while honouring centuries of tradition has become central to the creative journey. “It’s still evolving,” Rahman said, adding that the collaboration has been as enriching as it is challenging.
Rahman also highlighted the energy behind the scenes, crediting producer Namit Malhotra for fostering an environment that encourages experimentation, while director Nitesh Tiwari remains closely involved in shaping the film with sensitivity and purpose.
Featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana, Ramayana will unfold in two parts, with the first slated for a Diwali 2026 release and the second arriving on Diwali 2027.