The highly anticipated English trailer for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 has been unveiled by Sony Pictures, giving audiences a glimpse of this epic tale. The trailer has caught attention not only for its stunning visuals but also for the innovative technology used to sync the actors’ lip movements with the English dialogue.
In a significant departure from traditional dubbing, where a new voice is simply layered over existing footage, this English version employs DNEG’s advanced AI technology to digitally match the actors’ mouth movements to the English words. Producer Namit Malhotra has shared insights on how this groundbreaking technique blends human performance with cutting-edge technology for a more seamless experience.
Speaking in a recent interview, Malhotra emphasized that the process starts with human voice actors, including some members of the original cast who provided their own English voices. “We’ve received great feedback for involving actors who can express emotions in a different language,” he stated.
Malhotra highlighted that this human-centric approach is crucial for maintaining the emotional integrity of the performances. “We’ve ensured that the authenticity of expression is led by human actors, not AI,” he explained.
The next phase involved human artists crafting the lip movements for the English dialogue. “This phase involved skilled individuals who set the foundation for how the characters’ lips should move,” he added. The aim was to create a precise alignment between the voice and the visual expressions of the actors.
However, the challenge was not just matching voice to screen. The team faced the task of ensuring that the vocal performances, facial features, and lip movements all worked together naturally. “It’s important that the vocal actor’s appearance matches the screen actor’s face,” Malhotra pointed out.
In the final phase, a unique technology tool was utilized to integrate the lip movements seamlessly. “We developed a custom AI tool to ensure it merges flawlessly with the actor’s original face,” he clarified. The goal was clear: to give the audience the impression that they are watching the actors perform their dialogue authentically, rather than just hearing a dubbed version.
Notably, the English version features voice performances from the principal cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita, who all lent their voices in English.
The trailer, running just under four minutes, sets the stage for the film’s central storyline, chronicling Ravana’s rise, followed by Lord Ram’s 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshman, played by Ravie Dubey. The narrative escalates with Sita’s abduction and Ram’s determination to confront Ravana.
The English version of Ramayana: Part 1 is set to hit theaters worldwide on November 6, 2026, just in time for the Diwali weekend.
