The ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to poet and sage Valmiki is the basis for Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. With an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi and Anupam Kher, the film traces the diverging paths of Rama and Ravana on an extraordinary scale. The two-part project has a combined budget of about $500 million, according to producer Namit Malhotra.