Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayanastarring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, is drawing audiences well beyond India, with strong performances in countries where the epic has been part of local culture for centuries. Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Nepal have emerged as notable overseas markets.
The Ramayana travelled across Southeast Asia through centuries of trade, religious exchanges and cultural interactions, finding its way into local literature, theatre, dance and folklore. Several countries developed their own versions of the epic, with characters and narratives adapted to local traditions.
In Indonesia, these include the Kakawin Ramayana and the Balinese Ramakavaca. According to local box-office trackers cited by Hindustan Timesthe film collected around $100,000 at its November 11 premiere, marking the biggest opening for an Indian film in the country.
Thailand has its own version, the Ramakienwhich remains an important part of its cultural heritage. The film reportedly collected close to $1 million in the country within a week. In Cambodia, where the epic is known as Reamker and forms part of the country’s cultural and artistic traditions, it recorded a $150,000 opening weekend.
In Vietnam, Indian films have traditionally had a limited theatrical market there, but Ramayana reportedly collected around $350,000. The country’s historical links to Hinduism through the Champa civilisation, as well as its literary engagement with the epic, offer some context for the response.
In Nepal, where the Valmiki Ramayana and Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas are widely familiar, the film earned NPR 12.80 crore (around ₹8 crore) during its extended opening week.
How is Ramayana performing in the rest of the world?
According to figures cited by NDTV ProfitRamayana collected around $12.2 million in the US and Canada during its opening weekend. The UK contributed $3 million, followed by the UAE with $2.2 million and Australia with $1.9 million. Germany also recorded an opening of around $625,000.
The film’s international distribution and release across multiple markets have helped broaden its reach. Its overseas performance also reflects the strength of Indian cinema in markets with sizeable Indian-origin audiences.
Ramayana’s performance in India
India remains the film’s biggest market. According to NDTVRamayana collected ₹564.60 crore net domestically in its first eight days, taking its worldwide gross to ₹1,033.55 crore, including ₹358.50 crore from overseas markets.
The film, released on November 5, is the first instalment of a two-part adaptation. The second part is scheduled for release in Diwali 2028.