Ramayana English Version to Run 30 Minutes Shorter without any Songs

Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited Ramayana: Part One, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, is reportedly being worked on in different versions for Indian and international audiences. The Hindi and other Indian language cuts are expected to retain the film's songs and musical numbers, but the Ramayana English version may be around 30 minutes shorter.

According to reports, the Ramayana English version will be a tighter edit, with some scenes trimmed to suit international viewing preferences. The version is also expected to have no songs - a significant difference between the Indian and overseas theatrical releases of the film.

Why Is the English Version Shorter?

The decision to prepare separate cuts is thought to be linked to differing viewing habits across markets. Indian audiences are used to longer theatrical films, typically running three hours or more, with songs forming part of the storytelling experience. However, the makers reportedly believe a more streamlined version may have wider appeal overseas, meaning some portions of the Hindi version may be shortened or omitted in the English cut.

An insider reportedly said that while Indian audiences are accustomed to longer films with songs, the same format might not be as popular with viewers around the world, leading the international edit to adopt a faster-paced storyline. The report claims the main story of Ramayana: Part One remains unaltered - the key differences lie in the length of the presentation and the inclusion of musical sequences.

Songs to Stay in Indian Language Versions

The English cut will reportedly have no songs, but the musical portions will remain an important part of the Hindi and other Indian language versions. The film's music has generated considerable buzz, particularly as it marks a collaboration between Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and renowned Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer. The music and background score are expected to significantly enrich the film's emotional and visual scale.

While the songs may not be essential to the main plot, they are likely to add cultural and emotional depth to the Indian theatrical experience. Their absence from the English edition suggests the makers are adopting different musical approaches for different markets - rather than simply dubbing the Hindi version, they appear to be tailoring the film's presentation to suit regional audience expectations.

Also Read: Ramayana Trailer Release: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama vs Yash as Ravana

Ramayana Cast and Crew

Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman, Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, and Kunal Kapoor appears as Indra. The film also features Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil and Sheeba Chadha, while Sunny Deol is reportedly set to join the franchise as Hanuman in its second part.

The film is produced by Namit Malhotra and backed by Prime Focus and DNEG. The project is being staged as a two-part cinematic spectacle featuring elaborate special effects and large-scale action. The makers also released an English trailer developed through a bespoke AI-assisted workflow that synchronises actors' performances with English dialogue and lip movements.

Ranbir Kapoor had earlier revealed that the two-part saga will run to almost six hours in total, featuring epic visuals and action while exploring themes of family, duty, love and the triumph of good over evil. However, the official runtime has not yet been confirmed.

Release Dates

Ramayana: Part One is slated to open in theatres worldwide in November 2026. The film is expected to release for international audiences on November 5, with preview screenings starting November 4. In India, the film is expected to release around November 8, during the Diwali period, and will be followed by Part Two on Diwali 2027.