Ranbir Kapoor and Sunny Deol Kick Off Filming for Ramayana Part 2 in Mumbai
In a significant development for Indian cinema, actors Ranbir Kapoor and Sunny Deol have officially entered the second phase of production for director Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated mythological epic, 'Ramayana'. Reports confirmed on March 6, 2026, that shooting for 'Ramayana: Part 2' has commenced in Mumbai, marking a strategic scheduling pivot that places the sequel's production ahead of the first film's theatrical release.
Reshuffled Schedules and New Timelines
According to industry sources, Ranbir Kapoor's filming commitments have undergone a major reshuffle. The adjustment stems from health-related delays affecting director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's project, 'Love and War', which has been postponed. Consequently, Kapoor will now focus on completing a substantial portion of his work for 'Ramayana' between March and May 2026, before resuming Bhansali's film around May.
An insider revealed, "RK aims to complete a significant portion of his shoot for the mythological epic between March and May." This accelerated timeline underscores the production's commitment to maintaining momentum and visual continuity across both installments of the epic saga.
Character Portrayals and On-Set Dynamics
Ranbir Kapoor, who embodies the role of Lord Ram, currently sports a clean-shaven appearance, meticulously designed to align with the film's planned visual aesthetics. The source added, "The look aligns with the visual continuity planned for the film, which is expected to expand the scale and storytelling established in the first part."
Sunny Deol, cast as Lord Hanuman, is set to join the production around March 20, 2026. The upcoming schedule will prominently feature scenes between Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, highlighting the dynamic interplay between these central characters. Reports indicate that Kapoor has already begun filming his scenes in Mumbai, setting the stage for Deol's integration into the project.
Ensemble Cast and Release Strategy
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Ramayana' boasts an impressive ensemble cast:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita
- Yash as Ravan
- Supporting roles by Ravie Dubey, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, and Arun Govil, among others
The film is structured as a two-part cinematic experience, with the first installment slated for a Diwali release this year. 'Ramayana: Part 2' is scheduled to hit theaters during Diwali 2027, building anticipation through its phased rollout.
Impact on Other Projects
The scheduling shift has ripple effects across Bollywood. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War', starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and Ranbir Kapoor, faces an indefinite delay, with its official release date yet to be announced. This interweaving of production timelines highlights the complex logistics of major film franchises and star-driven projects in the industry.
As filming progresses, audiences can expect 'Ramayana' to elevate mythological storytelling with its grand scale, meticulous character portrayals, and narrative depth, reinforcing Bollywood's commitment to epic cinema.
