Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: The Ancient Epic Hollywood Has Been Copying All Along?
- Ganesh Raheja
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Namit Malhotra's Ramayana is shaping up as a two-part global event that promises to redefine mythological cinema, and his candid insights during that Collider chat reveal why this project feels like a cultural reset rather than just another big-screen spectacle.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama (and Lord Parshuram), the film blends heart-pounding action with deep emotional journeys while honoring its ancient roots. Malhotra, fresh off filming scenes for Part Two in India, paused to join the U.S. teaser celebration.
When the U.S. teaser for the ambitious new production dropped at a special Los Angeles event, producer Namit Malhotra sat down with Collider to share his vision.
His comments paint a picture of a production built for IMAX screens worldwide, complete with a groundbreaking score and a scale that rivals the biggest Hollywood franchises.
What Makes Namit Malhotra's Ramayana Feel Like the Original Blueprint for Blockbusters?
He stressed that this story predates modern epics and actually inspired them. Ramayana is the source material that gave the world the very concept of an "avatar," with Lord Rama as the avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Malhotra noted the film delivers the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings alongside the heartfelt journey of Avatar, because those franchises drew from the same foundational storytelling DNA. It is not about competing. It is about bringing the OG to life in a way that feels fresh yet timeless for audiences everywhere.
How Is the Spectacle Balanced With Real Character Depth in This Epic?
The producer explained that no extra rewriting is needed. Every battle, every emotional beat, and every character evolution is already woven into the Ramayana's classic structure.
Director Nitesh Tiwari can focus on showing the personal journeys of Rama and those around him, letting the spectacles flow naturally from those conflicts.
Malhotra highlighted a recent Part Two shoot where Ranbir's Rama takes down a massive demon and then shares a quiet conversation, proving the film mixes jaw-dropping action with intimate moments audiences crave.
Why Did the Music by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman Leave Malhotra in Tears?
One of the most personal highlights came when he described receiving the first track from the Oscar-winning duo. Without any visuals, the score hit him so hard he texted back, "How do you make a grown man cry?"
He called collaborating with his childhood hero A.R. Rahman and fan-favorite Hans Zimmer a bucket-list dream realized. Their combined sound for the teaser alone gave him the confidence that the emotional core was locked in, proving music carries even deeper impact than visuals for this story.
What Does the IMAX Treatment Mean for the Overall Vision?
IMAX was baked into the plan from the very first camera tests. Malhotra said the story naturally lends itself to massive formats, but the team prioritizes seamless storytelling over gimmicks. They are testing every option to ensure the spectacle serves the narrative.
The result? A theatrical event designed to immerse viewers completely, whether they know the legend or are discovering it for the first time.
Here are the key takeaways straight from Malhotra's Collider conversation and supporting reports:
Global Scale Confirmed: The production matches any major international project right now, with VFX expertise from Malhotra's eight-time Oscar-winning studio DNEG ensuring it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best.
Two-Part Release Locked In: Part One arrives in theaters and IMAX globally for Diwali 2026, followed by Part Two in Diwali 2027, giving the full epic room to breathe.
Cultural Pride Meets Worldwide Reach: Malhotra described the project as "culture-first," driven by passion to share India's foundational story rather than pure business metrics.
Timeless Storytelling Over Runtime Rules: He refuses to chase exact runtimes, citing the legendary 1980s TV version that stopped the nation. Expect an epic experience that invests audiences fully.
Ranbir's Dual Role Spotlighted: The star plays both Lord Rama and the earlier avatar Lord Parshuram, adding layers of Vishnu mythology that Malhotra's team is bringing to vivid life.
Teaser Reaction Fueling Refinements: While the U.S. launch drew huge excitement from Indian diaspora crowds, Malhotra has publicly noted ongoing VFX tweaks, saying the team is "listening closely" to feedback.
Some Closing Thoughts
Namit Malhotra's Ramayana is more than a movie. It is a heartfelt mission to introduce the world's oldest epic to a new generation on the biggest screens possible.
With its seamless blend of spectacle, emotion, and cultural authenticity, this project could easily become the cinematic event of 2026 and beyond.
So, are you as pumped for Nitesh Tiwari's retelling of the epic coming to theaters this Diwali? Let us know in the comments section down below!
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