itesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic, ‘Ramayana’ is one of the most globally anticipated Indian films, especially after the makers dropped its first glimpse last month. With a powerful star cast, groundbreaking visuals, and world-class production design, it’s widely believed to be the most expensive Indian film ever made.The film’s reported budget stands at an astonishing ₹4,000 crore. However, when trade analyst Komal Nahata asked co-producer Namit Malhotra about the figure, he got an emotional response. “I don’t know if it’s Rs 4,000 crore. I asked the same to Namit… and he was visibly hurt that I asked that question. He said, ‘I’m not here to calculate the budget. I want to make Ramayana part 1 and 2 out of shiddat (passion),’” Nahata revealed.In a podcast with Prakhar Gupta, Namit had explained how this dream took shape. “So, when we set out to make it, six, seven years ago, just after the pandemic, when we started to really get serious about mounting it and producing it, and budget-wise, it was like everybody thought I’m a lunatic. Because no Indian film, by a long distance, comes close to it. So, to put it simply, it’ll be about $500 million by the time we’re done, on both films put together, part one and part two, which is over Rs 4,000 crore.”Speaking on Faridoon Shahryar’s podcast, Nahata recounted more of his conversation with Malhotra, who seemed unfazed by the astronomical numbers. “It doesn’t matter if he invests even 3x the budget as long as he can show the world that India is capable of telling such stories and making such films.” Nahata added that Namit told him, “He doesn’t even know where the money is coming from, but he’s just pumping it in to secure a historical finished product.”Nahata went on to say, “Ramayana and Mahabharata are the best stories ever. Every story is based on the Ramayana or the Mahabharata in some way or the other. This is the story of the Ramayana itself. How they’re making it will shake the world and cinema buffs.” He believes that Hollywood may soon look to Ramayana as the new gold standard for visual effects.When Nahata questioned why Indian cinema hasn’t yet received global VFX acclaim despite Indians dominating the industry behind the scenes, Malhotra’s answer was clear: “Because we don’t have the budget and vision of Hollywood, but otherwise we’re capable of delivering.” Nahata added, “Now, Namit Malhotra’s company will deliver the vision and the means, the money. Namit has it. So, what was lacking, he’s got into Ramayana. Therefore, why will it not succeed?”Malhotra’s commitment isn’t limited to financing the film. Nahata shared that he’s deeply involved in the day-to-day process. “Whenever I call Malhotra, he’s always busy on the Ramayana set. He’s such an involved producer! He says he’s not producing to write cheques or coordinate dates. That’s not his job. All that will be done by his assistants and employees. His job is to be involved in the making of the film not as the captain of the ship, but as a creative producer.”One of Malhotra’s most innovative goals is to release Ramayana in 30–50 international and local languages using Artificial Intelligence. “That’s his vision, that’s his plan. So I think it’s just waiting to explode on the screens of the world, not just of India or of the traditional overseas markets. Maybe he’ll throw open an entire new world to Hindi films,” Nahata predicted.He also praised director Nitesh Tiwari for his “super sharp brain,” calm nature, and “immense clarity of thought.” As for the cast, Nahata couldn’t stop praising Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama: “Sincere, dedicated, and one of the best actors of the current times,” he said. “He will deliver his 2,000%.”The epic saga also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash (also co-producing) as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The music is being composed by an iconic duo: AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.Ramayana Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, with Part 2 to follow in 2027, aiming for a global theatrical rollout.
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