Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is being touted as India’s most ambitious film, backed by an estimated ₹835 crore budget and a star-studded lineup including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol. Despite the big names, the film’s title card notably highlights producer Namit Malhotra, rather than the cast or even the director. While Malhotra may not be a household name in India, his influence in the global film industry is undeniable.
Who is Namit Malhotra, the Force Behind Ramayana?
Coming from a film lineage, Namit Malhotra is the son of producer Naresh Malhotra and the grandson of renowned cinematographer MN Malhotra. After studying computer graphics, he launched Video Workshop, a post-production company he co-founded with three of his teachers. The studio, originally set up in his father’s garage, handled editing work for popular TV shows like Boogie Woogie and Gaatha, and later partnered with Channel V.
In 1997, Namit merged Video Workshop with his father’s business to form Prime Focus, which initially focused on technical services for television and film. Prime Focus expanded into movie production, working on titles like The Hurricane Heist and Brahmastra Part One.
A major turning point came in 2014, when Prime Focus merged with UK-based VFX giant Double Negative (DNEG). The merged entity has since delivered stunning visual effects for films like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the Dune series. Over the past decade, DNEG has won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects seven times, cementing its place in Hollywood.
Malhotra’s Vision for Ramayana
Namit revealed in an interview with Hindustan Times that he began conceptualizing Ramayana for the big screen as early as 2015, though filming officially began in 2023. His vision goes far beyond just making a big-budget Indian movie.
“I want to make India proud and inspire the world with Indian storytelling. Just as we’re moved by films like Oppenheimer or Forrest Gump, I believe Ramayana has the same universal appeal. I’m fortunate to bring this story to life,” Namit shared.
Cast, Music & Release Plan
Ramayana will be released in two parts, with Part 1 expected during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following in Diwali 2027. The film features:
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Yash as Ravana
Sunny Deol as Hanuman
Ravie Dubey as Laxmana
The film’s music is another high point, with a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, marking the latter’s Bollywood debut.
Who is Namit Malhotra, the Force Behind Ramayana?
Coming from a film lineage, Namit Malhotra is the son of producer Naresh Malhotra and the grandson of renowned cinematographer MN Malhotra. After studying computer graphics, he launched Video Workshop, a post-production company he co-founded with three of his teachers. The studio, originally set up in his father’s garage, handled editing work for popular TV shows like Boogie Woogie and Gaatha, and later partnered with Channel V.
In 1997, Namit merged Video Workshop with his father’s business to form Prime Focus, which initially focused on technical services for television and film. Prime Focus expanded into movie production, working on titles like The Hurricane Heist and Brahmastra Part One.
A major turning point came in 2014, when Prime Focus merged with UK-based VFX giant Double Negative (DNEG). The merged entity has since delivered stunning visual effects for films like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the Dune series. Over the past decade, DNEG has won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects seven times, cementing its place in Hollywood.
Malhotra’s Vision for Ramayana
Namit revealed in an interview with Hindustan Times that he began conceptualizing Ramayana for the big screen as early as 2015, though filming officially began in 2023. His vision goes far beyond just making a big-budget Indian movie.
“I want to make India proud and inspire the world with Indian storytelling. Just as we’re moved by films like Oppenheimer or Forrest Gump, I believe Ramayana has the same universal appeal. I’m fortunate to bring this story to life,” Namit shared.
Cast, Music & Release Plan
Ramayana will be released in two parts, with Part 1 expected during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following in Diwali 2027. The film features:
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Yash as Ravana
Sunny Deol as Hanuman
Ravie Dubey as Laxmana
The film’s music is another high point, with a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, marking the latter’s Bollywood debut.
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