Mumbai: Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, the Indian epic drama ‘Ramayana’ aims to strike a chord with audiences beyond India.
Backed by Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus Studios, the two-part epic with a star-studded cast, made on a massive budget of Rs 4000 crore, is set to become India’s most expensive film ever made.
During a recent interview with the LA Times, producer Namit emphasised that the film would be considered a failure if it fails to connect with the audiences in the west.
“It’s a global film from the day we start. I’m not trying to make it to appease Indian people in India… If you go and watch Ramayana and your family watches it, and people in India watch it, what’s the difference? It should speak to you like any other film,” he said.
The producer further said that ‘Ramayana’ is crafted to ‘resonate with both believers and non-believers, and transcend religious or cultural boundaries’.
Drawing comparisons with Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’, ‘Gladiator’, and the works of Christopher Nolan, Namit said, “In my mind, if people in the West don’t like it, I consider that a failure. It is meant for the world. If you don’t like it, shame on me, we should have done a better job.”
Echoing the same sentiment, director Nitesh highlighted the film’s emotional core and said, “Emotions are universal. If the audience connects emotionally, they will connect with the story, no matter where they’re from.”
‘Ramayana’ stars Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu and Ravi Dubey as Laxman, among others.
The first instalment of the two‑part mythological epic is set to release during Diwali in 2026 and the second during the same time ini 2027.
