'Not just a movie': Allu Arjun backs Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana'

Mumbai: Telugu actor Allu Arjun has extended his best wishes to the team of 'Ramayana', describing the upcoming big-budget film as a representation of Indian culture and an effort to raise the standards of Indian cinema.

The actor shared his message on Instagram Stories on Wednesday, expressing support for the film, which features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is scheduled to hit theatres across the country on Thursday.

"My best wishes to the entire 'Ramayana' team. It's not just a movie. It's a representation of our culture and an attempt to raise the bar of Indian films. I wholeheartedly send my pure, positive wishes to the entire team for their divine attempt," the actor wrote.

Calling for collective support for the project, he added, "Let's all unite and come forward to support a pure attempt that carries our stories, our culture and our glory. Jai Sri Ram."

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Ramayana' is being made as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. The ambitious project is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind.

The film has brought together an international team of artists and technicians. Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman have collaborated on the musical score, while Terry Notary and Guy Norris are part of the action team.

The first instalment is set for a multilingual release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. It will also be screened in multiple formats, including IMAX.

The second part of the film is scheduled to arrive in theatres in 2028.