Namit Malhotra says, “Ramayana is the foundation of our culture”; calls the film a two-decade dream project : Bollywood News

Producer Namit Malhotra has opened up about the vision behind his ambitious adaptation of Ramayana, describing it as a project he has been building toward for nearly two decades. The upcoming two-part film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is slated for a global IMAX release across two Diwali seasons.

Namit Malhotra says, “Ramayana is the foundation of our culture”; calls the film a two-decade dream project

Namit Malhotra says, “Ramayana is the foundation of our culture”; calls the film a two-decade dream projectSpeaking at the GBS ET Now Conclave, Malhotra explained the personal and cultural motivations that led him to back the epic on a large scale. “For everybody in this audience, Ramayana is the foundation of our culture, our stories, and our history. I’ve spent nearly two decades trying to establish a foothold in Hollywood. Unlike many other American industries, whether financial services, technology, or medicine, where Indians have achieved great success, we had no real presence in Hollywood. There wasn’t much appreciation for our industry, our history, or our culture,” he said.

He continued, “Through that journey, it kept frustrating me that we were often seen through the lens of an emerging country. That troubled me deeply. I felt we needed to present something that shows who we truly are, where we come from, and the richness of our culture and history in a way the world has never seen before.”

“That became the genesis of why Ramayana is the perfect story to present to the world with pride. We have everything that the biggest Hollywood spectacles offer. We have mounted this film at a scale in terms of budget, technological engagement, and visual ambition that is second to none. We are making what I would call, in 2026, one of the largest independently financed films in the world, from anywhere in the world,” he concluded.

The project is being produced by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, with backing from the eight-time Academy Award-winning VFX studio DNEG. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Part 1 is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Yash shares a heartfelt note for Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra; says, “This year is the turning point we’ve been working for”