There is a delicate balance in translating a religious epic into the cinematic global blockbuster.
However, Namit Malhotra, Nitesh Tiwari, and Ranbir Kapoor attempt to tackle this great feat with their upcoming film Ramayana.
On Tuesday, March 31, this vision was brought to life for an audience of fans, influencers, and press at the Regal Times Square theater. Gathered in the 4DX screening room for an exclusive preview of the film’s newest trailer, attendees expected a high-tech immersive experience. However, they were treated to an incredible surprise featuring a deep-dive conversation with producer Namit Malhotra, acclaimed director Nitesh Tiwari, and the film’s lead, Ranbir Kapoor, who takes on the role of Lord Rama.
The film is a cinematic retelling of the classic epic cherished by millions. The story follows the descent of the god Vishnu to earth as the avatar Rama (Kapoor), a prince destined to restore balance to a world edging toward chaos. Standing in his path is the formidable demon king Ravana (played by Yash), an immortal driven by a pride powerful enough to destroy the world. This is a story of Dharma (duty above all) and a path that decides the destiny of both gods and mortals. To capture the full scale of this odyssey, Ramayana has been structured as a two-part cinematic event to be released over the next two years.
During the panel, Malhotra revealed that the concepts for this film have been 10 years in the making. While living in the West, Malhotra realized that many Westerners are aware of Indian concepts and ideas without directly knowing the context from which they come from. Motivated by a desire to shift the Western perspective of Indian stories, Malhotra’s goal was to bring more awareness to the cherished heroic, epic tales that resonate so deeply with Indian culture.
Photo credit: John Martin / John Martin Productions
For director Nitesh Tiwari, the decision to step into the director’s chair was one of careful deliberation. “To retell an epic that resonates with so many people is an undertaking that needs to be thoughtful,” he shared, noting that seeing the sheer scale and resources Malhotra brought to the table was the ultimate “deal maker.”
The search for the perfect Rama led the team to Ranbir Kapoor, a choice Malhotra described as “a tightrope with no margin for error.” The role required an ability to translate much of Lord Rama into something tangible, such as his unspoken pain, immense physicality, and a profound emotional undertaking. Kapoor admitted that when he was first offered the role four years ago, his initial reaction was fear over not doing the role proper justice. However, a significant lifestyle shift—specifically becoming a father—changed his perspective. For Kapoor, stepping into the role of Rama has become symbolic of a major turning point in his own life.
Addressing the global audience, the panel emphasized that while the Ramayana is rooted in ancient values, those values remain universal. Tiwari noted that in a world that has perhaps forgotten certain moral anchors, the film serves as a necessary reminder. This global focus is also why the production kicked off its communication journey in the U.S., leveraging a unit of creators across New York, London, and India to ensure the story translates across borders.
Structurally, the team felt the story was too vast for a single sitting, originally even considering a trilogy. Ultimately, they found a “sweet spot” with a two-part consolidated event. Part one will serve as the world’s formal introduction to the character and aspects of Lord Rama, ensuring audiences are fully immersed in his journey before the full weight of the epic unfolds.
Ramayana PART 1 opens in theaters globally this fall, on Diwali 2026.
PART 2 is currently in production and slated to debut globally during Diwali 2027.
