Ramayana Exclusive Footage to Be Previewed at Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai
Exclusive footage from the upcoming period epic Ramayana is scheduled to be screened for industry attendees during the Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai. The annual trade event, which brings together cinema exhibition stakeholders, will also host the IMAX Big Cine Awards, where filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will receive a Special Achievement Award.
What Happened
The Big Cine Expo 2026 will take place on August 18 and 19 in Chennai. On the opening day, August 18, attendees will be shown exclusive visuals from Ramayana that have not yet been released to the public. To protect the unreleased footage, strict security measures will be implemented, including a ban on mobile phone usage and recording devices, with event organizers stationed inside the auditorium to prevent any unauthorized capture.
The film features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, and Lara Dutta. While director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and the cast members will not be present at the expo, Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus, will present the exclusive preview.
On the same evening, the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026 will present honours across the exhibition sector. Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be felicitated with the Special Achievement Award. The Best Single-Screen Theatre of the Year honour will be jointly awarded to Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, managed by exhibitor and author Vishek Chauhan, and Mukta A2 Bharatmata in Lalbaug, Mumbai. Bharatmata, a historic venue for regional and Marathi cinema since 1941, reopened on March 24 following upgrades that include 2K laser projection, Dolby Surround Sound, recliners, and sofas. Other exhibition chains receiving honours include AMB Cinemas, City Pride, Roongta Cinemas, Rajhans Cinemas, Connplex Cinemas, and Starline Cinemas.
Key Highlights
- Ramayana Preview: Unreleased footage from the period epic will be showcased to industry stakeholders on August 18 in Chennai.
- Strict Security Protocol: Mobile phones and recording are strictly prohibited during the screening, with staff monitoring inside the auditorium.
- Technical Presentation: Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus, will present the footage in place of the directing, producing, and acting team.
- Special Achievement Honour: Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be recognized with the Special Achievement Award at the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026.
- Single-Screen Recognition: Roopbani Cinema (Purnia) and Mukta A2 Bharatmata (Mumbai) will share the Best Single-Screen Theatre of the Year Award.
- Expo Tradition: The presentation continues a series of exclusive previews at the expo, following Baby John in 2024, Maidaan in 2023, and Brahmastra in 2022.
Why This Matters
The annual Big Cine Expo serves as a dedicated platform connecting theatre owners, equipment manufacturers, project managers, design consultants, and system integrators. Showcasing major upcoming film footage to theatre owners and technical operators provides exhibition professionals with early insight into high-profile theatrical projects ahead of public release.
What to Watch Next
The Big Cine Expo 2026 proceedings will run across August 18 and 19 in Chennai, with the presentation of the Ramayana footage and the presentation of the IMAX Big Cine Awards scheduled for the first day of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Big Cine Expo 2026 taking place?
The expo is scheduled for August 18 and 19 in Chennai.
Who will present the Ramayana footage at the event?
The footage will be presented by Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus. Director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and the cast will not be in attendance.
Who is receiving the Special Achievement Award at the IMAX Big Cine Awards?
Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be honoured with the Special Achievement Award.
Source: Bollywood Hungama