Ramayana English Trailer: How DNEG’s AI Lip-Sync Tech Works, Explained by Namit Malhotra
Sony Pictures has released the English trailer for director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic, Ramayana: Part 1, showcasing an international preview of the film. Alongside its visual scale, a prominent focus of the release has been the use of visual effects company DNEG’s artificial intelligence technology, which was deployed to digitally adapt the actors’ lip movements to match the English dialogue rather than relying on standard dubbing techniques.
What Happened
Speaking to ET Now, producer Namit Malhotra outlined the multi-step process behind adapting the film for English-speaking audiences worldwide. Malhotra clarified that the process was not initiated by automated tools, but instead relied on real human performances to retain authentic emotional delivery.
The first phase involved recording voice tracks, with principal cast members Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Ram), Yash (Ravana), and Sai Pallavi (Sita) dubbing their own lines in English alongside other voice performers. Following the voice work, human artists—referred to by Malhotra as “human drivers”—mapped out the foundational mouth and lip motions aligned with the newly recorded English speech. In the final stage, a custom-built AI tool developed specifically for the production stitched those adjustments onto the actors’ original on-screen facial performances to create a seamless visual match.
Key Highlights
- Bespoke AI Lip-Sync Tool: DNEG utilized a custom AI tool to digitally adjust actors’ mouth movements to match the English spoken audio instead of superimposing voices over unaligned footage.
- Human-Led Foundation: The workflow began with human voice actors and physical reference artists to safeguard emotional fidelity before any AI processing occurred.
- Cast English Dubbing: Lead actors Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi provided their own English voice dubs for their respective characters.
- Trailer Details: Running just under four minutes, the preview depicts Ravana’s rise, Lord Ram’s 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshman (played by Ravie Dubey), appearances by Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Sita’s abduction, and Ram’s vow to face Ravana.
- Theatrical Release Window: The English preview confirmed a worldwide theatrical release date of November 6, 2026, leading into the Diwali holiday weekend.
Why This Matters
According to Malhotra, standard dubbing methods often detach viewers from the dramatic performance, while subtitles can divert focus from visual storytelling. By developing cinematic-grade lip synchronization for the theatrical format, the production team aimed to present the film to global audiences as if the lead actors were directly performing their roles in English, preserving emotional intensity across languages.
What to Watch Next
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to arrive in movie theatres across the globe on November 6, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did AI generate the voices for the English trailer of Ramayana: Part 1?
No. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed that the English voices were performed entirely by humans, including the original lead actors dubbing their own parts alongside voice actors.
How was artificial intelligence applied to the film?
AI was used in the concluding phase of the adaptation process via a bespoke digital tool that mapped and blended human-crafted lip movements onto the actors’ faces to match the spoken English dialogue.
When will Ramayana: Part 1 release in theatres?
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 6, 2026.
Source: Details based on statements made by producer Namit Malhotra to ET Now, as reported by Bollywood Hungama.