"Feeling of great satisfaction": 'Ramayana' producer Namit Malhotra reacts to trailer response
Mumbai, August 6
Namit Malhotra, founder of Prime Focus, CEO of DNEG, and producer of the upcoming Ranbir Kapoor starrer 'Ramayana', has reacted to the positive response to the trailer of the mythological epic.
Speaking to ANI, Namit Malhotra shared, "The trailer was released last week and I think it crossed over a billion views in five days, which is a great moment for India. I really appreciate all the love we've got from people all over the world. The aspiration is to now take it to the world as we are with our partnership with Sony Pictures. We are hoping to make sure that Ramayana now releases globally as a big universal film."
Describing the film as "everybody's story", Malhotra added, "It's a great moment because you know Ramayana is everybody's story. Every Indian, every person in the world I feel can identify with it in some form and shape, so the fact that we're getting appreciation for it and it's connecting with people, that's a feeling of great satisfaction that we are on the right track."
The 'Ramayana' producer spoke on the sidelines of the inauguration of his 'Prime Focus Studio - Phase 1' at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Mumbai. Also present at the event was Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Reflecting on the same, Malhotra told ANI, "It's a very proud moment for Maharashtra and for Mumbai because we've launched our world headquarters in Mumbai and in the heart of Film City. Also, it is a great moment to have Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis come and grace us with his presence."
CM Fadnavis, in a statement, also reflected on the inauguration ceremony.
"Maharashtra is a state where we have kept everything tax-free for everyone. Just as no other city like Mumbai can be built anywhere else in the world or in India, similarly no other Film City like Mumbai can be built anywhere else. In this Film City, we are building many modern studios. Such projects should not be stalled," he said.
Pictures from the event were also shared on the social media handle of Maharashtra CMO.
Meanwhile, the trailer of 'Ramayana' was recently released and opened with the introduction of Yash as Ravana. He is seen emerging from the shadows before entering his grand palace and declaring his rule over the three worlds.
As darkness spreads, Lord Vishnu is reborn on Earth as Prince Rama. Ranbir Kapoor appears as Lord Rama, while Arun Govil plays King Dasharatha, introducing Rama to the people of Ayodhya.
'Ramayana: Part 1' is scheduled to release in theatres during Diwali 2026, while 'Ramayana: Part 2' is expected to arrive during Diwali 2027.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The trailer is visually stunning, no doubt. But I hope they're careful with the storytelling. Ramayana is not just a film for us - it's our faith, our culture. I trust Namit sir and the team to handle it with the respect it deserves. Also, Yash as Raavan? Perfect casting, man!
Billion views in 5 days - that shows the hunger of Indians for quality mythological cinema. We've waited so long for a Ramayana that matches the scale of Hollywood epics. With DNEG behind VFX and Sony for global distribution, this could be India's answer to 'The Lord of the Rings'.
As someone who grew up reading the Ramayana in the US, I'm thrilled to see this level of production quality. The trailer has already sparked conversations among my non-Indian friends about our epic traditions. This is cultural soft power at its best!
Great initiative by Namit Malhotra, but let's not forget the legendary Ramanand Sagar's serial that brought Ramayana to every household in India. I hope this film stays true to Valmiki's authentic version and doesn't get too modernized for global appeal. Some things should remain sacred. 🙏
The partnership with Sony Pictures is a game-changer! Finally, our epics will get the same worldwide distribution as Hollywood blockbusters. The future looks bright for Indian cinema. Hoping the film release in 2026 coincides with the grandeur it deserves during Diwali. ✨
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