Cinema VinesWest Bengal’s Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, will be released in the state on a tax‑free basis. The decision, revealed in a conversation with ANI, follows a series of similar exemptions granted to films such as The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files. Adhikari said the state would also consider future releases on other mythological subjects, including stories of Shri Krishna, Arjuna and the Mahabharata.
The tax exemption is expected to make the film more affordable for audiences across West Bengal, potentially boosting its theatrical prospects in a key market. While the exact implementation details and impact on ticket prices will depend on the state’s tax arrangements, the move is likely to draw greater attention to the film’s release in Kolkata and other regions.
Set to be the first installment of a planned two‑part saga, Ramayana: Part 1 is a Hindi‑language retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to Valmiki. Tiwari co‑wrote the screenplay with Shridhar Raghavan and assembled an ensemble cast that includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Kannada star Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Anupam Kher as Maharishi Vashistha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Vivek Oberoi as Meghnada (Indrajit), and Kunal Kapoor as Indra. Veteran actor Arun Govil, famous for his portrayal of Rama in the 1987 television series, will play King Dasharatha, adding a nostalgic touch to the production.
Producer Namit Malhotra, who is associated with visual effects firm DNEG, has partnered with Yash to mount the film on an ambitious scale. The production aims to bring the epic’s characters, settings and pivotal events to life through large‑scale visual effects and an expansive cinematic treatment. While the article cuts off before detailing the music, the film’s soundtrack is expected to complement its grand visual ambition.
