Ramayana’s English cut is 30 minutes shorter in US listings

Two different ways to watch Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana may be heading to American screens on the same day. A US theatre listing shows a Hindi-language version and an English-language version, with the English cut trimmed by 30 minutes.

What the US listings show

AMC has reportedly listed both versions for November 5, according to a Variety India report cited by The Times of India. The Hindi version carries a runtime of 3 hours and 15 minutes, while the English-language cut, titled Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is listed at 2 hours and 45 minutes.

That is a 30-minute difference between the two cuts, although the filmmakers have not officially confirmed the runtimes or exactly what changes between them.

Why the two cuts could differ

Earlier reports have pointed to songs and the interval as the likely reasons for the shorter English edit. The Hindi version may retain those elements, while the English cut could be presented without them. It is not yet clear whether the two versions will differ in other areas of narrative, editing or presentation.

Until the makers issue an official statement, the listings remain an early signal rather than a final word.

Who is in the frame

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is planned as a two-part adaptation of the Indian epic. The first instalment is led by:

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
• Sai Pallavi as Sita
• Yash as Ravana
• Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
• Ravi Dubey as Lakshman

The ensemble also includes Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh, Indira Krishnan, Sheeba Chaddha, Shobana, Kunal Kapoor and Kajal Aggarwal.

What this means for fans

For Hindi film lovers in the US, the choice becomes practical. The longer Hindi version may feel closer to the Indian theatrical experience, with songs and an interval. The English version, at 30 minutes shorter, may fit more easily into an evening and could play more shows per screen. It also gives non-Hindi-speaking viewers a clearer entry point to the epic.

A shorter international cut is not unusual for big Indian releases; it can help a film reach beyond the diaspora audience and fit local cinema habits. But any trim also changes the rhythm of a film built around its music and interval.

Release dates, as we know them

Officially, the first part of Ramayana is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 6, 2026. AMC’s US listings show November 5 for both versions, which may reflect a market-specific schedule. Separately, Pinkvilla has reported paid previews in India on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with a possible theatrical release on Thursday, November 5. If that schedule is confirmed, the film would not open on Diwali, which falls on November 8 in 2026.

Source: The Times of India