Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is making a strong impression at the overseas box office, particularly in Southeast Asian countries where the ancient Indian epic has deep cultural and historical connections. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, has set opening records for Indian cinema in Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia while delivering impressive collections in Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal.
The film’s international performance highlights the continuing cultural influence of the Ramayana across Asia, where several countries have their own adaptations and traditions based on the epic. The movie has reportedly collected more than $38 million overseas during its opening run.
Southeast Asia drives overseas success
In Indonesia, where local versions of the Ramayana have existed for more than 1,900 years, the film premiered on November 11 and collected around $100,000. This marked the best opening for an Indian film in the country.
Thailand has also emerged as a strong market, with the film earning close to $1 million (around ₹9 crore) in its first week. The country’s cultural connection to the epic is reflected in the Ramakien, its traditional adaptation of the Ramayana.
In Cambodia, where the epic is known as Reamker and forms part of the school curriculum, the film collected approximately $150,000 during its opening weekend, setting another record for an Indian film.
Malaysia has contributed around $900,000 (₹8 crore) in less than a week, adding to the film’s growing international collections.
Vietnam emerges as a surprise market
One of the film’s most notable performances has come from Vietnam, where Indian movies have traditionally had a limited box-office presence.
Ramayana has collected around $350,000 (₹3 crore) in the country, significantly exceeding the usual earnings of Indian films in the market.
Vietnam’s historical links to Hinduism and the Ramayana have contributed to audience interest. The Champa civilisation embraced Hindu and Buddhist traditions, while the epic is also taught as part of world literature in schools and universities.
Strong opening in Nepal
The film has also recorded a notable performance in Nepal, earning NPR 12.80 crore (approximately ₹8 crore) during its extended opening week.
It has already become the sixth-highest-grossing Indian film in the country, surpassing the final collections of RRR, Pathaan and Jawan. The film is now targeting the record held by Baahubali 2, which collected NPR 25.20 crore in Nepal.
A global run for India’s epic
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient epic. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
Its performance across Asian markets demonstrates how India’s traditional stories continue to connect with audiences beyond the country’s borders. The second instalment is scheduled for a Diwali 2028 release.
