Last updated on 3 November 2026.
Ramayana Part 1 is already one of the biggest movies in Indian cinema history, with spectacular visuals and massive action set pieces. That’s why you need to experience it in the best movie format possible, and I will tell you exactly what that is.
Ramayana’s Premium Movie Formats Ranked
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana. The film promises an epic cinematic adventure for fans across India.
That’s why the producers have decided to present the movie in multiple premium formats in India, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, EPIQ, 4DX, and, for the first time, ScreenX.
The right format can make a huge difference to the overall viewing experience, and this guide will make it easy for you to decide.
1) IMAX with Laser
The best format to watch Ramayana (2026) is IMAX with Laser. Ramayana will be presented in the expanded 1.90:1 aspect ratio only on IMAX screens, with 4K resolution from their Laser projectors.
First, let’s start with the aspect ratio.
While most films are shot in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, Ramayana features a taller 1.90:1 frame, allowing viewers to see more vertical image detail.
Basically, there is extra height. See the difference:
This expanded 1.90:1 aspect ratio version of Ramayana is IMAX-exclusive and will fill the screen for the film’s entire runtime.
All the trailers we got for the movie were in the same aspect ratio, and if you want to watch it in that same size, only IMAX can give you that experience. On any other screen, the aspect ratio will be cropped from the top and bottom to the standard 2.39:1 (scope) size.
Ramayana is part of the “Filmed for IMAX” program, where movies use IMAX-certified digital cameras to shoot.
While many other Indian movies were released in IMAX before, this is the first time one is officially labelled “Filmed for IMAX” on its poster.
Ramayana was filmed using ARRI ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF cameras, the same camera systems used in several major Hollywood productions, including films from the Marvel and Dune franchises.
Second, reports suggest that both 3D and 2D shows will be in 4K resolution. (source)
Usually, when movies, including Hollywood productions, are converted to 3D during post-production, the quality is downgraded from 4K to 2K. This affects the sharpness, something you must have noticed while watching 3D films.
But Ramayana will keep the 4K intact for 3D too, which will greatly enhance the overall 3D experience. There is no compromise on image contrast and clarity.
This 4K 3D version is compatible with IMAX’s 4K Laser projectors only. There are 34 IMAXs in India right now, and half of them are IMAX with Laser. Here is a list of them:
Mumbai (5)
- Miraj IMAX, Wadala
- INOX IMAX, Skycity Oberoi Mall
- INOX IMAX, Maison JioWorld
- EROS INOX IMAX
- PVR IMAX, Phoenix Lower Parel (12-ch audio)
Delhi (4)
- PVR IMAX, Priya (12-ch audio)
- PVR IMAX, Select Citywalk (12-ch audio)
- INOX IMAX, Vishal
- INOX IMAX Paras, Nehru Place
Pune (1)
- INOX IMAX, Phoenix Mall of Millennium
Noida (1)
- PVR IMAX, Superplex, Mall of India
Ahmedabad (1)
- PVR IMAX, Phoenix Palladium
Surat (1)
- Rajhans IMAX, Precia Mall
Coimbatore (1)
- Broadway Cinemas IMAX (12-ch audio)
Kochi (1)
- Cinepolis IMAX, Centre Square Mall
Bengaluru (1)
- PVR IMAX, Nexus Mall (12-ch audio)
Chennai (1)
- PVR IMAX, Palazzo (12-ch audio)
IMAX also uses its own DMR (Digital Remastering) process to optimize the movie’s video and audio for its auditorium.
The palaces, battle sequences, forest landscapes, and visual effects in Ramayana will shine in their full glory in this format.
Update: Ramayana will utilize the full 12-channel IMAX surround system, which even many Hollywood movies rarely do. (source)
Only 6 IMAX screens in India support this audio mix, and I have highlighted that in the list above.
2) IMAX (Xenon)
In addition to the IMAX with Laser screens listed above, India has 17 more IMAX screens equipped with older Xenon projectors. These IMAXs use dual 2K projectors, so they can’t provide the same level of detail.
But since they are still IMAX, you can watch Ramayana in its full 1.90:1 aspect ratio in these theatres too. Here is the list of all IMAX screens in India.
3) Dolby Cinema
Dolby Cinema is slowly becoming a tough competitor to IMAX, with some even considering it superior in terms of both video and audio quality.
The format combines Dolby Vision projection with Dolby Atmos sound. Dolby Vision is designed to provide high contrast and deep blacks with its dual 4K projectors, while Dolby Atmos offers an immersive audio presentation.
For a film like Ramayana featuring detailed visual effects and a large orchestral score, both elements can be important.
Honestly, if you are super focused on the visuals, Dolby Cinema is the best choice. The size of the movie file (DCP) is often the largest for this premium format to deliver enhanced brightness and richer colours.
But there are only 5 Dolby Cinema screens in India as of 2026, located in these cities:
- Pune: City Pride, Nyati Plaza, Pune
- Bengaluru: AMB Cinemas
- Trichy: LA Cinemas
- Hyderabad: Allu Cinemas
- Kochi: EVM Cinemas
The major difference between IMAX and Dolby Cinema will be the aspect ratio. Since the taller 1.90:1 aspect ratio is exclusive to IMAX, Dolby Cinema will present the movie in the standard 2.39:1 size. But Dolby will also get the 4K 3D content.
Also, Bengaluru AMB Cinemas and Kochi’s EVM Cinema do not support 3D, so there will be 2D shows there only.
Note: There are thousands of other movie theatres that use Dolby sound systems like 7.1 or Atmos, but they are not “Dolby Cinema”. It is a completely separate technology.
4) ScreenX
Ramayana becomes the first Indian movie ever to be released in ScreenX format.
Don Savant, Chief Business Officer of CJ 4DPLEX (company behind ScreenX), said this about partnering with Producer Namit Malhotra:
“As the first Indian film to debut in SCREENX, it also represents an exciting milestone for audiences and exhibitors alike, building on the tremendous momentum we’re seeing for premium theatrical experiences in India.”
This format is quite unique, where you get 3 screens in the theatre instead of 1. There are 2 extra screens on your left and right walls. While the main movie runs in the center, certain scenes extend to the side screens. This creates a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience.
And it’s not like they stretch the movie footage to fit all the screens. ScreenX team uses B-rolls and VFX elements to create extra footage for the 2 side screens.
There are 4 ScreenX in India at:
- Mumbai: INOX Megaplex, Inorbit Mall, Malad
- Kolkata: INOX, Quest Mall
- Delhi: INOX, Pacific Mall, Jasola
- Bengaluru: INOX Megaplex, Mall of Asia
All of them feature 3D shows. This will be an interesting way to watch this epic for sure.
5) LED Screens
LED cinema screens are essentially giant TV displays, and that’s why they deliver high brightness and vibrant colours.
For a movie like Ramayana, which is expected to feature colourful landscapes, an LED cinema screen could offer the most beautiful image possible.
Samsung Onyx is one of the most recognised LED cinema brands, but there are many other cinemas that have an LED screen in their multiplex.
Here is the full list:
- Bangalore: Onyx, Swagath Shankarnag, MG Road
- Bangalore: Onyx, INOX, M5 ECity Mall, Electronic City
- Chennai: Rakesh Volt LED, Vettri Theatres, Chrompet
- Coimbatore: EPIQ Luxon, Karpagam Grandplex, Sundarapuram (61 ft)
- Delhi: Onyx, Cinepolis, DLF Avenue, Saket
- Hyderabad: EPIQ Luxon, AAA Cinemas, Ameerpet
- Kochi: Magnova, Magic Frames, Kakkanad (3D)
- Mumbai: Onyx, INOX, Inorbit Mall, Malad
- Vizag: Q Luxon, AAA Cinemas, Kailasapuram (71 ft)
Although these screens are not all particularly as large as IMAX or Dolby, they can offer a good 2D viewing experience for audiences who prefer watching movies without 3D glasses. Most of the Ramayana’s screenings are 3D, so these are the best alternatives.
6) HDR by BARCO
HDR by BARCO is another premium format if you prefer 2D over 3D. While not as crisp as LED, BARCO is known for its brightness and colors with its 4K Laser projectors.
Currently, there are 3 such screens in India, with 2 in Hyderabad (1 in Prasads Multiplex) and 1 in Vizag.
7) Prasads PCX
Now, back to 3D.
If you want the biggest 3D experience, you need to be in Hyderabad.
Their iconic PCX screen at Prasads Multiplex is almost 100 ft wide, equipped with dual Barco 4K projectors, and capable of presenting movies in 3D. With the 4K 3D DCP they receive, this will probably deliver the most immersion.
The only disadvantage is the screen’s aspect ratio, which is around 1.58. This means there will be huge black bars on the top and bottom of the screen.
8) EPIQ
EPIQ is India’s own premium large format. Their screens are in a 1.89:1 aspect ratio. This is similar to IMAX, but since the expanded aspect ratio for Ramayana is IMAX-exclusive, you will get the standard scope footage with black bars.
This has been confirmed by Cinema management:
Still, EPIQ offers an awesome theatrical presentation, combining advanced projection technology with premium sound systems to deliver stunning visuals and immersive audio.
9) 4DX
I personally don’t like 4DX, but some do, especially kids. So, if you want to take your family to watch Ramayana, you can consider this premium format.
4DX combines motion-enabled seats with environmental effects such as wind, water, vibrations, fog, and lighting. These effects are synced with the action on screen to make your movie-watching more immersive.
For Ramayana, 4DX could offer an engaging option during its large-scale battle sequences and aerial shots.
But again, I would not recommend it. Ramayana is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, and if you go for 4DX, which includes 3D, you will get annoyed just after a few minutes by the seats moving all the time and all the other effects on your face. It gets too distracting.
10) ICE
ICE is another quirky format that places LED side panels along the walls of the auditorium. They feature ambient lighting that synchronises with the action on the main screen.
I don’t think it enhances the experience in any way, but if a format is there, I have to include it in the list.
11) Other PLFs
There are many more PLFs (Premium Large Formats) in India that are bigger than usual screen sizes and use 4K projection and leading sound systems.
In India, we have PVR by PXL, BIGPIX by INOX, MacroXE by Cinepolis, and many more. If none of the above options are available near you, you can choose these.
You can find these PLF screens in Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Goa, Indore, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat.
Some of them are also Flat screens that are capable of showing Ramayana in its full frame as seen on trailers, but they will also get Scope. It is not the case with The Odyssey or Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where they got the same DCP as IMAX.
12) Standard 3D
At last, Standard 3D is likely to be one of the more accessible options for audiences across India. It is being reported that the 3D conversion is quite good, so if you are just confused between 3D and 2D, my suggestion is to go for 3D.
Takeaways
Now you know about all the premium large formats to watch Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana.
Ramayana is an epic that brings one of India’s most celebrated stories to the big screen. With its elaborate production design, powerful performances, and large-scale action sequences, the film is expected to offer a cinematic spectacle.
And if you don’t know who I am? I am Ranish Chauhan, a.k.a. Fulmino Fan, and I love Marvel & DC Superheroes and Sci-Fi movies. You can also check out my YouTube channel.