India is experiencing a film revolution, and the forthcoming Ramayana, with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role of Lord Rama and Yash portraying Ravana, is promising to be one of the most ambitious films of world cinema. With mind-boggling visuals and an awe-inspiring cast that includes Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, and Ravie Dubey, the saga promises to transform Indian filmmaking.
Supported by a total budget of Rs 4000 crore ($500 million), the movie will be released in two parts, the budget equals Hollywood blockbusters such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and even towers above Superman ($225 million) and Jurassic World Rebirth ($180 million).
Vision Driven by Cultural Pride
Namit Malhotra, CEO of Prime Focus and non-executive director at DNEG, is the individual behind this colossal endeavor, his VFX firms have already produced classics such as Inception, Interstellar, and Dune, but Ramayana is special—it’s personal and cultural for him.
He said, “We began thinking of this six or seven years ago after the pandemic, we became serious about realizing the vision. Everyone told me that I am a madman, no Indian film has ever attempted anything close to this magnitude, but this is Ramayana it needs nothing less.”
Bigger Film, Lower Cost
Despite the colossal budget, Malhotra firmly believes it’s a cost-effective effort compared to Hollywood, “We’re making the largest film in the world for the greatest story ever told and still, we’re spending less than many Hollywood studios,” he stated. He sees this as smart financial planning—not a risk.
Honoring India Foundation
For Malhotra, Ramayana is not merely a narrative, “It’s a cornerstone of our culture my aim is to put it in the most majestic form possible. It’s not for India—it’s for the world there needs to be pride within every Indian heart, and wonder within every international viewer,” he stated.
Global Appeal of Indian Ethos
In a time of global unrest, he finds relevance in Ramayana’s values “I’ve lived in the West, and I’ve hesitated to send my kids abroad. Ramayana is my way to honor our ethos; the world needs these values today more than ever.”
With stunning visuals, massive ambition, and cultural conviction, Ramayana is not just a film—it’s India’s gift to global cinema.
