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Current affairs of 9 November 2026 (Shanmugam IAS Academy) – explained for UPSC, TNPSC and other competitive exams
News
'Ramayana: Part One', directed by Nitesh Tiwari and based on Valmiki's Ramayana, was released in India on 5 November 2026 (overseas releases were staggered). It stars Ranbir Kapoor (Rama), Sai Pallavi (Sita), Yash (Ravana) and Ravie Dubey (Lakshmana); Sunny Deol appears as Hanuman in a post-credits scene. It is produced by Namit Malhotra (Prime Focus / DNEG) with Yash's Monster Mind Creations, at a reported cost of about ₹4,000 crore. Made in Hindi, it was released with versions in several languages including English; the trailer came out in five languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Sony Pictures is the international distributor, and release was planned in more than 100 countries. The music is by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The makers reported a worldwide first-day collection of about ₹155 crore.
Key facts for the exam
Point
Details
Film
Ramayana: Part One
Release
5 November 2026 (India; overseas staggered)
Director
Nitesh Tiwari
Based on
Valmiki's Ramayana
Cast
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey
Music
Hans Zimmer, A.R. Rahman
Languages
Hindi + other-language versions; trailer in 5 languages
International release
Sony Pictures; 100+ countries (planned)
Background
Literature – Valmiki: The Sanskrit Ramayana is hailed as the 'Adi Kavya' (first poem) and Valmiki as the 'Adi Kavi'. It has about 24,000 shlokas in seven kandas (Bala, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Yuddha, Uttara).
In Indian languages: Kamban – 'Ramavataram' (Kamba Ramayanam) in Tamil; Tulsidas – 'Ramcharitmanas' in Awadhi (begun 1574); Krittibas – Bengali; Ezhuthachan – Malayalam 'Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu'; Ranganatha Ramayanam – Telugu.
Ramayana worldwide: 'Ramakien' in Thailand (its national epic), 'Reamker' in Cambodia, 'Kakawin Ramayana' in Java (Indonesia), 'Hikayat Seri Rama' in Malaysia, 'Yama Zatdaw' in Myanmar and 'Phra Lak Phra Lam' in Laos – showing India's cultural ties with Southeast Asia.
Economy/soft power: Global releases of Indian films are part of India's soft power and creative ('orange') economy. Big-budget VFX work reflects the growth of India's visual-effects industry.
Tamil Nadu link: Tamil Nadu: Kamban (12th century, Chola era) is believed to have been born at Therazhundur in present Mayiladuthurai district; Sadayappa Vallal of Thiruvennainallur was his patron. Kamban stopped with the Yuddha Kanda; the Tamil Uttara Kandam is traditionally attributed to Ottakoothar (some scholars dispute this). One of the film's composers is Chennai's A.R. Rahman.
Frequently asked questions
What is this news about?
'Ramayana: Part One', directed by Nitesh Tiwari and based on Valmiki's Ramayana, was released in India on 5 November 2026 (overseas releases were staggered). It stars Ranbir Kapoor (Rama), Sai Pallavi (Sita), Yash (Ravana) and Ravie Dubey (Lakshmana); Sunny Deol appears as Hanuman in a post-credits scene.
What are the key facts to remember for the exam?
Film: Ramayana: Part One; Release: 5 November 2026 (India; overseas staggered); Director: Nitesh Tiwari; Based on: Valmiki's Ramayana.
What is the background to this news?
Literature – Valmiki: The Sanskrit Ramayana is hailed as the 'Adi Kavya' (first poem) and Valmiki as the 'Adi Kavi'. It has about 24,000 shlokas in seven kandas (Bala, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Yuddha, Uttara).
Sources: The Federal; Open Magazine; Outlook India; Telangana Today; The Telegraph t2; Khaleej Times (Hanuman scene). Compiled by Shanmugam IAS Academy.
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