As promotional activities ramp up for Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious project, “Ramayana,” producer Namit Malhotra and lead actor Yash recently showcased the film at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. This annual event gathers theater owners and industry figures, providing a platform for the team to present “Ramayana Part One” to an international audience while explaining their vision for the film.
“Ramayana” adapts Valmiki’s ancient epic, recounting the tale of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor. The narrative focuses on Rama’s battle against the asura king Ravana, played by Yash, who has kidnapped Rama’s wife, Sita, represented by Sai Pallavi. This story is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Indian subcontinent and holds spiritual significance for Hindus.
Yash spoke with Reuters about embodying Ravana, aiming to portray depth and complexity in the character. He emphasized the importance of making Ravana relatable, stating, “I have tried to internalise… the whole essence of Ravana and tried to make him as human as possible at times.” His approach seeks to present a nuanced interpretation of the asura, inviting the audience to connect with a historically vilified figure.
The first teaser, known as the “Rama glimpse,” was unveiled globally earlier this month. While the initial visuals received acclaim for their stunning effects and ambitious scale, some viewers expressed concern regarding the character designs, particularly the portrayal of the asuras, which appeared too Westernized. On this topic, Yash remarked, “Since we have global ambitions, we need to make it familiar to a Western audience as well,” illustrating the film’s aim to resonate with diverse viewers.
With a projected budget of up to $500 million, “Ramayana” is set to be released in two parts, marking it as one of the most costly film productions worldwide and the priciest Indian film to date. The first part will debut on November 8, aligning with the Diwali festival, while the sequel is scheduled for release in 2027. Joining Yash and Kapoor, the cast includes Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
Namit Malhotra described “Ramayana” as a fusion of fantasy and human drama, drawing inspiration from iconic films such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “Gladiator.” He asserted the film aims to offer a unique cinematic experience that transcends traditional Indian storytelling as well as Hollywood norms. Malhotra envisions “the best of the East and the best of the West” contributing to a groundbreaking film that speaks to a global audience.