All about Ramayana’s grand opening scene: The epic battle of Ravana-Kubera
Moving away from the familiar Ram-Ravana confrontation, Ramayana is set to begin in an unexpected way. Instead, the film begins with a lesser-known episode that may redefine the way audiences view Ravana’s rise and ambition.
RamayanaIts opening sequence is considered to be one of its defining moments. According to information shared by the team behind Namit Malhotra’s film, the opening war sequence of the film will not focus on Ram (Ranbir Kapoor) and Ravana (Yash). Instead, it will be taken from an earlier and lesser known chapter of the epic: Ravana’s fierce battle. With his half brother Kuber near Mount Kailash.
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The sequence was teased in the first look of the film released earlier this month. Although it stood out for its scale, the battle has its roots in RamayanaThe account of Ravana’s rise, setting the story before Rama’s journey begins.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is backed by Namit Malhotra. The opening sequence is being held up as a key moment in the film’s story.
Ravana-Kuber story
In this part of the epic, Ravana takes over Lanka after overthrowing his half-brother Kubera, the original ruler of the Golden City. But the quarrel does not end here. Driven by ambition and the need to establish complete dominance, Ravana pursues Kubera to Alkapuri near the sacred Mount Kailash. This quest is presented not simply as a chase, but as an attempt by Ravana to remove any remaining challenges to his power.
The episode brings together mythology, conflict and a wonderful setting, with the battle unfolding against the backdrop of Mount Kailash. It also focuses on Ravana before the central narrative around Rama begins.
This gives Ravana a broader facet in the story, presenting him not only as the antagonist in Rama’s journey, but also as a man shaped by conquest and ambition.
Ramayana is being made as a two-part epic. Directed by Nitish Tiwari and produced by Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with 8-time Oscar winner DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, it will release in IMAX worldwide, with Part 1 scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 for Diwali 2027.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The film focuses initial attention on a lesser-known part of the epic, beginning with the opening scene of Ravana’s conflict with Kubera.