The excitement surrounding Ramayana: Part 1 has encountered an unexpected challenge just weeks before its theatrical release. Advance booking for the highly anticipated film was scheduled to begin on October 20, 2026, coinciding with Dussehra. However, reports indicate that ticket sales had not opened at most cinemas across India by Tuesday morning.
According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, a disagreement over revenue-sharing arrangements between distributors and cinema exhibitors is reportedly behind the delay. Although advance bookings have begun at a limited number of theatres, the wider rollout may depend on the two sides reaching an agreement.
The development comes at a crucial time for the ambitious mythological epic, which is expected to attract substantial attention from audiences across the country.
Why Are Distributors Demanding a 60% Revenue Share?
The reported dispute centres on how ticket revenue should be divided between distributors and exhibitors during the film’s initial weeks in cinemas.
According to the trade source quoted by Bollywood Hungama, the usual revenue-sharing arrangement for major films gives distributors approximately 52.5% of the revenue in the first week, 45% in the second week and 37.5% in the third week.
For Ramayana, distributors are reportedly seeking a higher share throughout this period.
| Release period | Usual distributor share | Reported demand |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 52.5% | 60% |
| Week 2 | 45% | 50% |
| Week 3 | 37.5% | 40% |
These figures reflect the terms reported by the publication and should not be interpreted as a confirmed final agreement.
Distributors generally seek favourable terms to maximise returns from a film, particularly when significant investment and marketing expenses are involved. Exhibitors, meanwhile, must consider cinema operating costs and the revenue they retain from ticket sales. The difference between the two positions has reportedly complicated negotiations.
Cinema Chains Await a Resolution
The disagreement could affect the timing of advance bookings across several locations if a settlement is not reached promptly. Cinema exhibitors are reportedly reluctant to accept the proposed terms, while discussions continue over an arrangement acceptable to both parties.
However, the situation does not mean that the film’s theatrical release has been cancelled or officially postponed. The reported issue concerns the commercial arrangements and the wider opening of advance ticket sales.
As of 9:30 am on October 20, Bollywood Hungama reported that INOX Korum Mall in Thane had opened bookings in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru was another location where advance ticket sales had reportedly begun.
These limited openings indicate that the booking process was not completely halted nationwide. More cinemas could begin accepting reservations as negotiations progress.
Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi Lead the Epic
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol is also part of the cast, playing Hanuman.
The film is among the most closely watched Indian productions because of its mythological subject, prominent cast and ambitious cinematic scale. Its makers are preparing to bring the ancient epic to audiences through a major theatrical release.
The story of Ramayana holds deep cultural significance, making the film particularly important for viewers familiar with the traditional narrative. At the same time, its scale and visual presentation are expected to attract audiences interested in large-format cinematic experiences.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
Will the Dispute Affect Ramayana’s Release Plans?
For now, the key question is how quickly distributors and exhibitors can resolve their differences. An agreement would help cinemas coordinate show schedules and make tickets available more widely before the release.
A delay in advance booking can create uncertainty for audiences who want to reserve seats early, particularly for a film expected to draw strong interest. However, the current reports do not establish that the release date itself will change.
With November 5 approaching, the industry and audiences will be watching for updates on ticket availability and the outcome of the negotiations.
What Happens Next?
The advance-booking situation for Ramayana: Part 1 remains dependent on the reported commercial discussions. If both sides agree on revenue-sharing terms, a broader ticket-sales rollout could follow.
Until an official confirmation is issued, the 60% first-week share should be treated as a reported demand rather than a finalised arrangement. For audiences, the most important development will be the opening of bookings at their local cinemas ahead of the film’s scheduled release.
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