Namit Malhotra Aims to Create an Impact Globally With Ramayana
Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra is aiming at making Ramayana as a project that becomes more than just a film with a vision to reshape the global perception of Indian epics and is trying to create a cinematic experience meant to redefine India’s cultural identity within international cinema.
This mythological epic is set to become one of the most ambitious projects in the history of Indian cinema, with a remarkable ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, and featuring a legendary global collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
During a recent podcast, Namit shared that his early fascination with cinema, particularly the film Jurassic Park, inspired his ambition to create something truly special. He recalled, considering the huge influence of the film, “When Jurassic Park came out, I was in awe…It made me want to be a filmmaker, to build worlds.”
During the recent Hollywood writers’ strike, Namit Malhotra experienced a unique moment where he got a break, which provided an opportunity to contemplate his personal experiences and the portrayal of Indian narratives in the global context.
He also talked about his observation that several Indian stories that have achieved international recognition, including Slumdog Millionaire, Gandhi, Lion, and even RRR, frequently depicted Indians through narratives of poverty or struggle. While he acknowledged their success, he felt that these stories did not fully represent the strength and richness of Indian culture.
These thoughts inspired him to select the Ramayana as the story to present on a global scale, with the intention of showcasing India’s rich heritage with both pride and grandeur.
Namit, who is a prominent figure responsible for the visual effects of Hollywood blockbusters such as Dune, Oppenheimer, Inception, and Interstellar, is now taking an important creative role with Ramayana. Through Prime Focus and DNEG, he has contributed towards creating something special, and with this mythological story, he is aiming to change the global perspectives on Indian cinema and storytelling.
Ramayana is planned to be released in two parts, with Part 1 scheduled for release during Diwali in 2026 and Part 2 following in 2027. The film consists of a star-studded cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Laxman, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Further enhancing its global scale is a legendary collaboration between AR Rahman and Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, who will be making his Bollywood debut with the film’s music score.
Also Read: Indian Origin Namit Malhotra bags an Oscar for the Best Visual Effects in Oscars 2022
