Ramayana: Part 1 has crossed Rs 17 crore in advance bookings in India six days before its 5 November release, with roughly 3.34 lakh tickets sold across about 6,780 shows, according to trade trackers. The Hindi version accounts for the bulk of the bookings. Overseas pre-sales are nearing USD 3 million, with North America contributing close to USD 1.9 million, and paid previews are scheduled for 4 November.
Domestic bookings opened late because distributors and exhibitors were still negotiating revenue-sharing terms; several circuits have since opened sales and the remaining listings are expected through the day.
The Central Board of Film Certification has cleared the Hindi version with a 'U' certificate and no cuts, according to the certificate details reported on 30 October. The certified running time is 195 minutes, or 3 hours 15 minutes.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. It releases worldwide on 5 November, ahead of Diwali on 8 November, and is being positioned for a six-day festive window. Advance sales had been delayed by the distribution dispute, which is why pre-sales began on Dussehra rather than earlier.
The opening-day number will be the test: trade estimates put the film in the Rs 60-70 crore range on day one if the current pace holds.
(With inputs from PTI and media reports)