The delay reportedly stems from disagreements over theatrical revenue-sharing terms between distributors and exhibitors. The film’s advance booking was announced for October 20, coinciding with Dussehra, but ticket sales had not opened at many cinemas by the morning.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, distributors are reportedly seeking a higher share of box-office revenue than the usual arrangement for major Hindi releases. The negotiations have created uncertainty about when advance bookings will become available across India.
The dispute is commercially significant because Ramayana is a large-scale production expected to release across multiple markets. Distributors and exhibitors need to agree on the financial terms before ticket sales can roll out smoothly across participating cinemas.
However, the reported disagreement concerns ticket revenue and distribution arrangements. It does not indicate that the film’s theatrical release has been postponed.
Distributors Reportedly Demand a 60% Revenue Share
According to the trade report, the proposed revenue-sharing terms differ from the arrangements generally followed for major releases.
The reported figures are:
- Week 1: Distributors are reportedly demanding a 60% share.
- Week 2: The reported demand is 50%.
- Week 3: The reported demand is 40%.
For comparison, the trade source cited by Bollywood Hungama described the usual sharing structure for major films as 52.5% in Week 1, 45% in Week 2 and 37.5% in Week 3. These figures are reported industry terms, not a confirmed final agreement for Ramayana.
Exhibitors are reportedly reluctant to accept the proposed terms, and negotiations were continuing as of the report published on October 20, 2026.
The outcome of these discussions will determine how quickly ticket reservations can expand across cinemas. Until an agreement is reached, booking availability may vary by location and theatre chain.
Have Ramayana Advance Bookings Started Anywhere?
Despite the reported disagreement, some cinemas had already opened reservations.
According to Bollywood Hungama’s report, INOX Korum Mall in Thane and AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru were among the locations where advance booking had begun.
This means the situation is more accurately described as a delay in the wider advance-booking rollout, rather than a complete halt in ticket sales across the country.
Availability may differ between individual cinemas, cities and ticketing platforms. Moviegoers should check official booking platforms for current listings rather than assume that tickets are available everywhere or nowhere.
The announcement of a nationwide booking date had generated considerable anticipation among fans, making the uneven rollout an important development for the film’s promotional campaign.
Ramayana Release Date: Is the Film Postponed?
As of October 20, 2026, the reported dispute concerns advance booking and revenue-sharing negotiations. The film’s announced worldwide theatrical release date remains November 5, 2026. No postponement was confirmed in the reports cited here.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
The film is planned as the first instalment of a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. Its scale, cast and international distribution plans have made it one of the most closely followed upcoming Indian releases.
A delay in advance booking does not automatically mean a delay in the film’s release. Any change to the theatrical schedule would need to be confirmed by the makers or an authorised distributor.
Why Is Ramayana One of the Most Anticipated Films of 2026?
Ramayana has attracted attention because of its ambitious production, well-known cast and adaptation of one of India’s most recognised epics.
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Rama and Yash’s role as Ravana have generated interest among audiences across different film industries. Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita has also been a major talking point.
The project aims to bring the epic’s characters and central conflict to the big screen through large-scale filmmaking and visual effects. The production is also targeting audiences beyond Hindi cinema through a wider release strategy.
The reported advance-booking delay has therefore become a significant trade development. A film of this scale requires coordination between producers, distributors, exhibitors and ticketing platforms to ensure that audiences can book tickets across markets.
The negotiations are a business issue, and their resolution will be important for the wider rollout of advance sales.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority is for distributors and exhibitors to reach mutually acceptable commercial terms. Once the relevant agreements are finalised, additional cinemas can open their booking windows according to their arrangements.
Until then, ticket availability may remain uneven across locations.
The situation also highlights the commercial negotiations that accompany large theatrical releases. A film’s promotional announcement can set expectations for ticket sales, but the actual rollout depends on agreements across the distribution and exhibition chain.
Fans waiting to book tickets should rely on official listings and announcements for accurate information.
