In a significant milestone for Indian cinema, the first-ever test screening of Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated magnum opus, Ramayan, was held at the Cinemark Playa Vista in Los Angeles this week. The private, invite-only event has reportedly sparked an “overwhelmingly positive” response from a diverse audience, setting the stage for what is being called a global cinematic event.
The screening featured a rough cut of the film’s first installment, providing an early look at a project that has been years in the making. Attendees, ranging in age from 18 to 60 and including several film students, were reportedly captivated by the film’s sheer scale and emotional core.
A Visual and Emotional Triumph
Initial reports from the screening suggest that Tiwari has managed to balance high-octane spectacle with the “rooted storytelling” that the director is known for. While the film features cutting-edge visual effects produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and DNEG—the teams behind several Oscar-winning Hollywood hits—the audience feedback highlighted the “soul” of the narrative.
“The scale is monstrous, but it never loses its heart,” one attendee reportedly shared. “It feels like a global superhero franchise in terms of quality, yet it stays deeply respectful to the original epic.”
Key highlights from the feedback include:
Groundbreaking VFX: The depiction of ancient Ayodhya and the mystical landscapes were described as “globally competitive.” Stellar Casting: Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi’s performance as Sita were among the most discussed elements, with viewers noting their powerful on-screen chemistry and poise.
The Musical Score: The historic collaboration between Indian legend A.R. Rahman and Hollywood titan Hans Zimmer was hailed as a “hauntingly beautiful” addition that elevates the film’s tension and grandeur.
Strategic International Testing
Choosing Los Angeles for the first test screening was a strategic move by the makers to gauge how the story connects with a Western demographic. Producer Namit Malhotra has been vocal about his ambition to present the Ramayan with the same reverence and technical polish as a major Hollywood production.
The version shown was a “first cut,” and the makers intend to use the feedback from the LA audience to refine the final edit and perfect the remaining CGI. Reports suggest the team has dedicated nearly 300 days solely to VFX work to ensure the final product is flawless.
The Road Ahead
Ramayan: Part One is currently slated for a grand worldwide release during Diwali 2026. The project is designed as a two-part epic, with the second installment expected to follow in Diwali 2027. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
