Ranbir Kapoor was supposed to be in Ramtek today. A grand fan event for Ramayana Part 1, planned for Sunday, October 11, 2026 in the temple town near Nagpur, has been postponed amid the severe drought in Maharashtra. The makers have still kept the film's campaign moving, releasing new posters that put the heart of the epic, a son leaving his father, front and centre.
Why the Ramtek event was called off
The Times of India reported that the programme was expected to feature Ranbir, Sai Pallavi and other members of the cast, and to include the launch of a song from the film along with an interaction with the team. It was timed for the first day of Navratri, and Ramtek was chosen for its religious association with Lord Ram.
Maharashtra MLA Ashish Jaiswal confirmed the postponement in an Instagram video. "We would like to inform all of you that the grand interaction program with the entire team of the film 'Ramayana', which was to be organised at Ramtek on 11th October 2026, has been postponed due to some unavoidable reasons," he wrote, as quoted by the Times of India.
Jaiswal said farmers' welfare is the priority at present and that he had discussed the situation with the film's team. According to him, the team expressed its willingness to support farmers during the crisis. There is no official update yet on whether the song will be released online instead or when the event will be rescheduled.
The new posters: Rama's goodbye
On Sunday morning, the makers shared new posters with the caption: "A father bound by a promise. A son bound by duty. Neither knew this goodbye would be their last." The Times of India described one image as Rama kneeling before King Dashrath, who blesses him as he prepares to leave Ayodhya for exile. A second shows Rama scattering ashes into a river surrounded by greenery, a quiet image of grief.
Fans responded quickly. One comment quoted by the Times of India read, "So much emotion in a Poster."
Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chadha as Manthara
The posters follow character looks for the two women who set Rama's exile in motion. Lara Dutta appears as Queen Kaikeyi in royal attire and heavy jewellery, with the caption: "A queen. A mother. Two wishes that would betray a father's love and change Rama's destiny forever." Sheeba Chadha appears as Manthara, holding a staff, introduced as "A cunning mind. Whose whispers would turn a mother's love into a kingdom's darkest hour."
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the two-part film stars Ranbir as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Our earlier report, "Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Part One Reportedly Preponed to November 5 in India," covers the latest on its release window.
Subhash Ghai backs the film
The film also picked up a vote of confidence from veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai on October 10, Ghai said, "Content will always remain the king. We are expecting a lot from the upcoming Ramayana, because it is made by a good director and a good storyteller," according to the Times of India. He also praised Ranbir's craft during a session on AI, OTT and storytelling.
With the Ramtek date gone, the next big question for fans is where and when Ranbir and Sai Pallavi will appear together for the song launch.
For Ranbir, the project is the biggest bet of his career so far, and the posters suggest the makers want audiences to connect with Rama as a son and a prince first, before the conflict with Ravana that drives the epic's later chapters.
FAQ
Why was the Ramayana event in Ramtek postponed? MLA Ashish Jaiswal said it was postponed due to unavoidable reasons, amid the severe drought in Maharashtra, with farmers' welfare the priority.
When was the Ramtek event scheduled? October 11, 2026, the first day of Navratri.
Who plays Kaikeyi and Manthara in Ramayana? Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha plays Manthara.
Who is in the cast of Ramayana? Ranbir Kapoor (Rama), Sai Pallavi (Sita), Yash (Ravana), Sunny Deol (Hanuman) and Ravi Dubey (Lakshman), with Lara Dutta, Sheeba Chadha and others.
Cover photo: Prime Minister's Office, Government of India / Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India