The much-awaited film Ramayana made a powerful impression at Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai, where a never-before-seen 15-minute footage was showcased to exhibitors. The presentation left the audience stunned, with many comparing the visual effects to a big-scale Hollywood production like The Lord of the Rings.
Ramayana Footage Unveiled at Big Cine Expo 2026
Big Cine Expo is an annual exhibition that brings together theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals, and other industry stakeholders to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. One of the major highlights of the expo is the presentation of exclusive footage from upcoming films.
According to Bollywood Hungama, attendees at this year's edition were promised exclusive glimpses of arguably the most awaited film of the year – Ramayana. The expo was held on August 18 and 19 in Chennai, with the much-awaited footage being showcased on the first day.
Exhibitors Stunned by VFX Quality in Ramayana
The 15-minute presentation was a major draw at the event. Exhibitors who attended the screening were reportedly stunned by what they saw. The visual effects were singled out for praise, with comparisons drawn to the scale and quality of Hollywood's The Lord of the Rings films.
"VFX at par with a big-scale Hollywood film like The Lord Of The Rings." — Bollywood Hungama
The reaction from the industry professionals in attendance suggests that Ramayana is shaping up to be a visual spectacle that could set a new benchmark for Indian cinema. The footage showcased at the expo gave exhibitors a firsthand look at the film's ambitious scope.
What the Ramayana Footage Means for Indian Cinema
The praise from exhibitors is significant because these are the professionals who understand what audiences expect from a theatrical experience. Their positive reaction to the Ramayana footage indicates that the film could be a major draw when it releases.
The comparison to The Lord of the Rings is particularly notable, as that franchise is widely regarded as a gold standard for epic fantasy filmmaking. If Ramayana delivers on the promise shown in the footage, it could elevate the expectations for visual effects in Indian films.
- The 15-minute footage was an exclusive presentation for Big Cine Expo 2026 attendees
- The expo serves as a platform for industry stakeholders to preview upcoming films
- Ramayana was described as arguably the most awaited film of the year
Our Take: Ramayana's Big-Screen Promise
In our view, the reaction at Big Cine Expo 2026 is a strong signal for Ramayana's theatrical prospects. When industry insiders — people who live and breathe cinema — are stunned by footage, it carries real weight. The comparison to The Lord of the Rings is not just flattery; it sets a high bar that the filmmakers have publicly accepted.
To put it plainly, this is exactly the kind of buzz a big-budget epic needs before release. The exhibitors' enthusiasm suggests that Ramayana could bring audiences back to theatres in a big way. However, the real test will come when the full film is released, and the public gets to judge whether the 15-minute footage was a true representation of the final product.
For now, the industry is talking, and the excitement is real. If the VFX holds up across the entire film, Ramayana could be a landmark moment for Indian cinema's global ambitions.
