Namit Malhotra is a name that might not yet be widely known outside film industry circles, but he’s someone whose influence has shaped many of Hollywood’s greatest visual spectacles. As the CEO of DNEG, one of the world’s top visual effects companies, and the visionary behind Prime Focus Studios, Namit Malhotra is now setting his sights on a personal and ambitious goal – bringing the ancient Indian epic Ramayana to life on an unprecedented cinematic scale. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Bollywood A-listers Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, Ramayana promises to deliver a grand, culturally rich retelling that seeks to honor and capture the essence of India’s most beloved tale.
The Visionary Behind the VFX – Namit Malhotra
Namit Malhotra, the dynamic CEO of DNEG and Prime Focus, has been instrumental in revolutionizing visual effects for both Hollywood and Indian cinema. His journey began with a modest film background – he is the son of Bollywood producer Naresh Malhotra, who introduced him to the world of film at an early age. In 1997, he founded Prime Focus in Mumbai, an ambitious startup that grew into a leading VFX powerhouse over the next two decades.
Under Namit Malhotra’s leadership, DNEG has delivered groundbreaking visuals for critically acclaimed projects like Dune, Inception, Interstellar, and most recently, The Garfield Movie. His exceptional understanding of visual storytelling, combined with a relentless drive to push the boundaries of technology, has earned him a prominent position in Hollywood. By blending his technical expertise with a passion for storytelling, Malhotra has established himself as one of the few Indians commanding respect in global cinema. Recently, he also announced Angry Birds 3, adding yet another high-profile project to his impressive lineup.
Announcing the Release Dates of Ramayana – Part One and Two
With a grand social media announcement, Namit Malhotra unveiled the poster for Ramayana and shared his vision for this epic saga. This new adaptation will be split into two parts, with Part One set to release during Diwali 2026, and Part Two following in Diwali 2027. Malhotra’s statement expressed his emotional connection to this project, revealing that he embarked on this journey over a decade ago, driven by a dream to bring this 5,000-year-old story to audiences around the world.
Malhotra stated, “More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5000 years to the big screen. And today, I am thrilled to see it taking shape beautifully as our teams work tirelessly with only one purpose: to present the most authentic, sacred, and visually stunning adaptation of our history, our truth, and our culture – our ‘RAMAYANA’– for people across the world.”
Malhotra’s post captured the excitement of bringing Ramayana to the global stage, highlighting its universal themes of good versus evil, love, duty, and loyalty. With his dedication to preserving the story’s authenticity while utilizing state-of-the-art visual effects, Malhotra is all set to make history with Ramayana.
The Star-studded Cast and Massive Budget
The cast of Ramayana is as grand as the story itself. Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Lord Rama, bringing his versatile and powerful screen presence to the character. Opposite him is the immensely talented Sai Pallavi as Sita, known for her ability to embody depth and grace on screen. Completing the core trio is Superstar Yash, the Kannada superstar known for his portrayal in KGF, who will take on the formidable role of Ravana.
This project, however, is not just an all-star casting but also a massive investment. With a rumored budget of ₹800 to 1,000 crore, Ramayana is set to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The involvement of Warner Bros. as a co-producer only adds to the scale and ambition of this project, aiming to bring a visually compelling and universally accessible version of Ramayana to life. By splitting the story into multiple parts, the filmmakers can explore each chapter of the epic in greater detail, doing justice to the grandeur of its narrative.
Fan Expectations and Comparisons to Adipurush
The anticipation for Ramayana is understandably high, and fans are hopeful that this adaptation will deliver the cinematic experience they’ve longed for. Comparisons with Adipurush, the recent adaptation starring Prabhas, have already begun, as that film faced considerable backlash from audiences. While Adipurush was expected to be a cultural and visual spectacle, it fell short of expectations, especially with criticism directed at its portrayal of characters, dialogues, and visual effects.
With Ramayana, however, fans are cautiously optimistic. With Nitesh Tiwari’s direction, the involvement of Warner Bros., and DNEG’s world-class VFX team led by Malhotra, this adaptation promises to offer a balanced blend of tradition and technology. It’s expected to be a spectacle that remains faithful to the original text while being accessible to global audiences. The Ramayana team appears committed to delivering a story that resonates deeply with viewers, transcending cultural boundaries to make an impact worldwide.
With Ramayana, Namit Malhotra is not just creating a film but fulfilling a vision – one that spans years of hard work, technological innovation, and an unwavering respect for India’s rich cultural heritage. As fans eagerly await the release, Malhotra’s Ramayana is already being celebrated as a labor of love that promises to redefine Indian cinema.