Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana Part 1" has claimed the top spot on IMDb's Most Anticipated Indian Movies list for the second half of 2026, according to exclusive data from the platform. The epic adaptation, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in lead roles, dominates the 20-title ranking compiled from page views tracked across IMDb's 250 million monthly users between July and December.
The positioning reflects substantial audience interest in Tiwari's ambitious retelling of the Hindu epic. Tiwari previously directed "Dangal," which became one of Indian cinema's highest-grossing films globally, lending credibility to his vision for this large-scale mythological project. Casting Kapoor and Yash, two of Hindi and Kannada cinema's most bankable stars respectively, signals the production's pan-Indian ambitions.
IMDb's Most Anticipated lists function as a barometer of audience enthusiasm independent of marketing spend. The rankings derive from organic user behavior rather than studio campaigns, making them a relatively unfiltered indicator of genuine viewer curiosity. A film's placement reflects sustained interest from a massive, global audience across the streaming giant's ecosystem.
The "Ramayana" adaptation arrives during a period of renewed investment in mythological storytelling within Indian cinema. Recent years have seen successful attempts to adapt classical narratives for contemporary audiences, from "Adipurush" to smaller-budget regional projects. Tiwari's positioning at IMDb's top suggests audiences view this iteration as particularly compelling.
The second half of 2026 represents a crowded slate for Indian releases, yet "Ramayana Part 1" maintains its commanding lead. This suggests the project has achieved cultural penetration beyond typical industry circles, reaching casual viewers and cinephiles alike. The "Part 1" designation indicates the studio plans this as a multi-film franchise, a strategy increasingly common for prestige Indian productions aiming at global theatrical releases and streaming platforms.