Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar has revealed certain details about the next instalment in director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana universe. The second chapter is expected to surpass the first part in visual grandeur and scale. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the cinematographer revealed that 60 per cent of the film has already been shot.
Pankaj explained that despite a substantial portion of the film being completed, there is considerable technical work ahead. The second instalment will feature a larger number of CGI characters and will involve extensive visual effects and motion capture sequences. "We have already shot 60 per cent of Ramayana: Part 2. A lot of VFX work, a lot of motion capture work is left because the second part is going to be more grand than the first part," the DOP said.
Pankaj further pointed out that the sequel will feature Hanuman and the entire Vanar Sena (monkey army), indicating a grander visuals and more characters in it.
The cinematographer also discussed the demanding filmmaking process behind the two-part epic. He said that the team spent nearly a year before finalising the pre-visualisation of each individual scene before shooting began.
Ramayana: Part 2 featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, is expected to continue Rama and Lakshmana's journey to rescue Sita. Hanuman (Sunny Deol) will be introduced in the second part, leading to the battle against Ravana in Lanka.
The upcoming film was originally planned for a 2027 release, but it has been pushed to Diwali 2028 instead, allowing the makers additional time to complete its extensive visual effects and post-production work. Meanwhile, Ramayana: Part 1 has earned more than 1000 crore from theatres worldwide, thus becoming the highest-grossing film in Ranbir Kapoor's career so far.