The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Prince Rama, an incarnation of the deity Vishnu, alongside Yash as Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. The narrative follows Rama’s exile, the abduction of his wife, and the ensuing conflict with Ravana, a central storyline in the epic dating back thousands of years.

Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the filmmakers said they are seeking to make the story accessible to international audiences. Yash said he had worked to portray Ravana with emotional depth, noting that relatability would be key to engaging viewers beyond India.The production, with a combined budget of up to $500 million for two films, ranks among the most expensive in Indian cinema.

Promotional material for “Ramayana” was showcased alongside major Hollywood releases at the industry event, reflecting its global ambitions.Producer Namit Malhotra said the film would blend large-scale fantasy elements with human drama, drawing inspiration from international productions such as The Lord of the Rings and Gladiator.

The first installment is scheduled for release on November 8 in India and the United States, timed with Diwali, with a sequel planned for 2027.

Malhotra said the project aims to merge storytelling traditions and cinematic techniques from both Eastern and Western industries, describing it as an effort to create a globally resonant experience.

Participating for the 12th consecutive year, Ithra is offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights the Kingdom’s rich heritage and innovative contributions to literature, art, and knowledge.

The pavilion is thoughtfully divided into four sections, beginning with an introductory area showcasing Ithra’s key facilities, including its library, museum, theater, and cinema.

Visitors can explore two dedicated zones for library programs, featuring workshops, discussion panels, and interactive sessions designed to inspire curiosity and learning. In addition, a bookstore highlights Ithra’s latest titles spanning philosophy, literature, art, and heritage, giving attendees a chance to engage with unique content.

Abdullah Al-Hawas, director of Ithra, emphasized the center’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and knowledge sharing. “Every year, Ithra brings fresh ideas to the Riyadh International Book Fair.

This year, under the theme ‘Riyadh Reads,’ we are presenting 13 new publications covering philosophy, literature, and art, most of which were recently produced,” he said.

Among the most popular titles is The Mu’allaqat for the Millennial Generation, which makes classical Arabic poetry accessible to today’s readers. Another acclaimed publication, Arabic Proverbs for the New Generation, features over 150 Arabic proverbs with insightful commentary, encouraging readers to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Ithra also presents Hijra: In the Footsteps of the Prophet, detailing the historic eight-day journey from Makkah to Madinah, along with books on camels, crafts, and philosophy, all carefully selected for their cultural significance.

Ithra’s publications have gained international recognition through translations into Spanish, German, Korean, Chinese, French, and English, reflecting the center’s mission to share Arab culture with global audiences. The Ithra Library, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and first fully digital libraries, spans four floors, housing over 357,000 books and thousands of digital resources.

As a cultural hub, Ithra hosts engaging programs such as the Ithra Reading Club, Majaz poetry celebrations, Ithra Library Saturdays, Your Book in a Minute, and Bridges to the World, promoting literary creativity, knowledge exchange, and cultural appreciation.

Through its dynamic participation in the Riyadh International Book Fair, Ithra continues to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a center for culture, learning, and innovation, inspiring readers of all ages to explore and celebrate the richness of Arab heritage.