Sony to distribute Ramayana overseas, could reshape Indian film exports

Sony Pictures has been signed as the international distributor for Nitesh Tiwari's two-part mythological epic Ramayana, covering all territories outside India. Entertainment experts say the move could help large-scale Indian films break beyond diaspora audiences and reach mainstream overseas viewers for the first time on a significant scale.

Global studios bring established relationships with exhibitors, wider screen access and sophisticated marketing, while Indian distributors retain deeper ties with diaspora communities. The FICCI-EY 2026 report shows overseas theatrical revenues of ₹2,500 crore in 2025, less than 20% of domestic box office, far below ratios in the US and UK.

If the Ramayana strategy succeeds, such hybrid distribution could become the norm for tentpole films with universal themes. Challenges include higher costs, reduced producer control and risk of losing cultural nuance. Industry experts note international success ultimately depends on compelling storytelling, citing Dangal (₹1,400 crore abroad) and RRR (₹300 crore) as precedent.