Los Angeles: As global cinema gears up for a clash of epic storytelling, Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra believes the Indian mythological saga offers something audiences worldwide are increasingly seeking—freshness.
Speaking at CinemaCon 2026, Malhotra positioned Ramayana alongside upcoming global spectacles like Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey, arguing that audiences are ready for stories beyond familiar Western narratives.
“A timeless story the world hasn’t seen”
Malhotra described Ramayana as both ancient and new for global viewers.
“You are bringing the first story of the universe—but something many haven’t experienced. It’s timeless, yet it will feel like a discovery,” he said, recalling feedback from international audiences.
The idea, he explained, is to present a story deeply rooted in Indian culture in a way that feels fresh and accessible globally.
A massive cinematic vision
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari (known for Dangal), Ramayana is reportedly mounted on a staggering ₹4,000 crore budget, making it one of the most ambitious Indian films ever.
The cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana
The film will release in two parts, with the first slated for a Diwali debut.
Competing with global epics
Comparing the film’s tone and scale, Malhotra described it as an “Avatar meets Gladiator moment”—blending rich world-building with an emotional human story.
He acknowledged that films like Dune and The Odyssey bring grandeur, but stressed that audience tastes are evolving.
“People want something new and different. We’ve seen enough of the same fare—now it’s about what new we can bring,” he said.
From Indian roots to global screens
Malhotra emphasised that while Ramayana is deeply embedded in Indian culture, it has the potential to resonate universally.
- A story passed down generations in India
- Familiar emotionally to millions
- Yet largely untapped for global cinematic audiences
He sees the film as a chance to transform Ramayana from a cultural cornerstone into a shared global narrative.
Mixed early reactions, high expectations
A recent glimpse featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama—highlighting heavy VFX—received mixed reactions online, indicating both excitement and scrutiny.
Still, expectations remain high given:
- Its unprecedented budget
- Star-studded cast
- Global ambitions
The bigger picture
With Hollywood pushing large-scale epics and India stepping up with ambitious storytelling, Ramayana could mark a turning point in how Indian mythology is presented globally.
If Malhotra’s vision succeeds, the film may not just compete with Dune or The Odyssey—it could redefine global epic storytelling from an Indian lens.
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