Ravi Dubey Overwhelmed as Fans Feature His Ramayana Look at Times Square

The global anticipation for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana reached a new peak this week, not through a studio press release, but via a grand gesture from the audience. Ravi Dubey, who is set to portray the pivotal role of Laxman in the 2026 epic, found himself at the center of international attention when fans projected his warrior look onto a massive billboard at New York City’s Times Square. The tribute, which was entirely fan-led and independent of the film’s official marketing campaign, left the actor visibly moved.

A Heartfelt Response to Global Recognition

Responding to the viral footage of the billboard, Dubey expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, referring to his supporters as “family.” The actor noted that seeing his character’s fierce, traditional aesthetic against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic modern landmarks was an emotional milestone. For Dubey, this moment underscores the deep cultural resonance of the Ramayana narrative, which continues to bridge the gap between ancient Indian heritage and a contemporary global audience.

The Growing Momentum Toward 2026

This spontaneous display of fan enthusiasm highlights the immense pressure and excitement surrounding the ₹4,000 crore production. Starring alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, Dubey’s portrayal of Laxman has already sparked significant conversation regarding his physical transformation and intense screen presence. With visual effects handled by the Oscar-winning DNEG and a dual-part release strategy starting in Diwali 2026, the project is positioning itself as a definitive cinematic retelling. As the film moves closer to completion, tributes like the one in Times Square suggest that Ramayana is already achieving a level of cultural penetration rarely seen before a film’s debut.