Could Ramayana become a three-part cinematic franchise instead of the planned two-film saga? Producer Namit Malhotra has opened up about the possibility of a third instalment, revealing that the makers may revisit their plans depending on how audiences respond to the upcoming films.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the ambitious mythological project stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The first instalment, titled Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026.
Speaking to international media during the film's recent Los Angeles premiere, Malhotra revealed that the project was initially planned as a trilogy. However, the creative team later decided to tell the story across two films.
Ramayana 3 Depends on Audience Feedback
Namit Malhotra explained that the original vision involved making three films, but the plan eventually changed to two instalments. However, he has not completely ruled out expanding the franchise.
He indicated that after receiving audience reactions and feedback on the first film, the makers could return to the drawing board and discuss whether additional material should be included.
Malhotra said, "So we started out the film, we were going to make it in three (parts), then we decided to make it in two."
He further explained that the team is still in the middle of filming and does not want to reveal anything about the story. However, audience response could influence future creative decisions.
Importantly, this does not mean that Ramayana 3 has been officially approved. For now, the possibility remains open, with the producer suggesting that the makers will evaluate the response before making any decisions.
Makers Have Two Versions of Ramayana Part 1
Another interesting revelation from Malhotra concerns the first instalment itself. The producer disclosed that the team currently has two different versions of Ramayana: Part 1, each with a different runtime.
The filmmakers are assessing which version would work best for audiences across international markets. Their preference, according to Malhotra, is to release one version worldwide rather than maintain different cuts for different audiences.
However, the possibility of an extended edition has not been ruled out. Malhotra referred to The Lord of the Rings extended editions while discussing how additional footage could potentially be presented.
He suggested that the team has enough material to consider a separate version, depending on how audiences consume the film.
This revelation indicates the scale of the project and the creative decisions involved in presenting the epic to viewers across different markets.
Ranbir Kapoor Reveals Ramayana Part 2 Update
While speculation about a third instalment continues, Ranbir Kapoor has also shared an important update about the sequel.
The actor, who portrays Lord Rama, revealed that he has already completed around 50 per cent of the filming for Ramayana: Part 2.
This suggests that work on the second instalment is progressing even as the first film prepares for its theatrical release.
The sequel is expected to continue the epic story, with the makers aiming to deliver a cinematic experience on an equally ambitious scale.
Star-Studded Cast and Global Scale
Ramayana features an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, the film includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana.
The project is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra under Prime Focus Studios, in collaboration with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations.
One of the biggest highlights is its musical collaboration. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer and acclaimed Indian composer A.R. Rahman have joined forces to create the film's original score.
The first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, in standard and IMAX formats.
Will Audiences Get a Third Ramayana Film?
For now, the makers remain committed to the two-part format, and there is no official confirmation of a third film.
However, Namit Malhotra's comments have certainly opened the door to speculation. The final decision could depend on the audience response, the creative requirements of the story and the material available to the filmmakers.
With the first instalment nearing its theatrical release and the second already in production, Ramayana is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian cinematic projects.
Whether the epic eventually expands into a trilogy remains to be seen. For now, the audience's response to Part 1 could play a significant role in determining the franchise's future.
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