Rio Raj's 'Ram And Leela' gets U/A certificate, releases August 21
Synopsis
Rio Raj's 'Ram And Leela' has cleared the CBFC with a U/A certificate and is set for a worldwide release on 21 August — riding the wave of his back-to-back hits 'Joe' and 'Aan Paavam Polladhadhu'. The film also marks actress Varthika's Tamil debut, giving it dual box-office hooks heading into the weekend.
Key Takeaways
Ram And Leela has received a U/A certificate from the CBFC , clearing it for release.
The film releases worldwide on 21 August , directed by Ramachandrran Kannan .
Lead actor Rio Raj 's previous two films — 'Joe' and 'Aan Paavam Polladhadhu' — were both box-office successes.
Actress Varthika makes her Tamil cinema debut with this film.
The film was originally titled 'Ram In Leela' before the title was changed.
Produced by Trident Arts and EYWA Entertainments ; music by Ankit Menon .
Director Ramachandrran Kannan's upcoming Tamil romantic entertainer 'Ram And Leela', starring Rio Raj and Varthika in the lead roles, has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), clearing its path to a worldwide theatrical release on 21 August. The certification puts to rest any uncertainty around the film's release timeline.
Title Change and Certification
The film was originally titled 'Ram In Leela' before the makers officially changed it to 'Ram And Leela'. Production house Trident Arts announced the CBFC clearance across its social media channels, writing: 'Minnale Vizhungi... U/A va koppalichachu! #RamandLeela. (We've swallowed the lightning and gargled out a U/A!) Catch the energy on the big screen this August 21!'
Why Expectations Are High
The film arrives on the back of considerable momentum for its lead actor. Rio Raj's two most recent releases — 'Joe' and 'Aan Paavam Polladhadhu' — both emerged as box-office successes, establishing him as a reliable draw in Tamil commercial cinema. The film also marks the Tamil cinema debut of actress Varthika, adding a layer of curiosity for audiences.
Creative Team Behind the Film
The story has been co-written by director Ramachandrran Kannan and Aakash Poojith. Cinematography is handled by Mallik Arjun, while music is composed by Ankit Menon. G. Durairaj has overseen art direction, with YNC Shiva as editor. Choreography credits go to Abu & Chals for dance and Abishek Srinivas for stunts.
Costume design is by A Keerthivasan, sound design by Arun S Mani of Oli Sound Labs, sound mixing by Vishnu Sujathan, and VFX supervision by Arunraj V.
Production Details
The film has been produced by R. Ravindran and Sudharsan under the banners of Trident Arts and EYWA Entertainments, with Sanjay Vijayraghavan serving as creative producer. With its U/A certification locked and a global release date confirmed, all eyes are now on how the film performs at the box office when it opens this week.
Point of View
But the real story here is Rio Raj's consistency — two consecutive hits give 'Ram And Leela' a commercial cushion that most mid-budget Tamil romances don't enjoy at launch. Varthika's debut adds an unknown variable, but in Tamil commercial cinema, the male lead's track record tends to drive first-weekend footfalls. Whether the film can sustain beyond opening weekend will depend on word-of-mouth, particularly given a crowded August release calendar. The title change from 'Ram In Leela' to 'Ram And Leela' is a minor but telling detail — it shifts the framing from a one-hero narrative to a partnership, which may better reflect the film's actual tone.
NationPress
19 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does 'Ram And Leela' release in theatres?
'Ram And Leela' is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 21 August. The CBFC has granted it a U/A certificate, confirming it is cleared for public screening.
Who are the lead actors in 'Ram And Leela'?
The film stars Rio Raj and Varthika in the lead roles. It marks Varthika's debut in Tamil cinema.
Who directed 'Ram And Leela'?
The film has been directed by Ramachandrran Kannan, who also co-wrote the story alongside Aakash Poojith.
What certificate did 'Ram And Leela' receive from the CBFC?
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film a U/A certificate, permitting its theatrical release with parental guidance advisory for younger audiences.
Why is 'Ram And Leela' generating buzz ahead of release?
The film benefits from Rio Raj's recent box-office track record — both 'Joe' and 'Aan Paavam Polladhadhu' were hits. Varthika's Tamil debut and the last-minute title change from 'Ram In Leela' to 'Ram And Leela' have also kept the film in conversation ahead of its opening.
