📌 Key Points
- Namit Malhotra defends launching ‘Ramayana’ teaser in the US, emphasizing global appeal.
- Malhotra urges unity, stating ‘one world, one Ramayana, one Rama’ amidst India vs. US debate.
- Ranbir Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwari, and Namit Malhotra attended ‘Ramayana’ events in Los Angeles and New York.
- The ‘Rama glimpse’ teaser was launched in eight Indian cities on Hanuman Jayanti.
The ‘Ramayana’ teaser launch in the US sparked debate, but producer Namit Malhotra defended the decision, stressing the importance of a global perspective. He urged against division, highlighting the film’s universal message and appeal to Indian communities worldwide.
Malhotra’s Response to Launch Location Debate
Actor Ranbir Kapoor recently flew to the US to unveil the teaser of Nitesh Tiwari ’s Ramayana ahead of its India launch, a move that quickly stirred debate across social media, with many questioning the strategy behind the overseas reveal. Now, producer Namit Malhotra has addressed the chatter, urging people not to be divisive.
Addressing the discussion around hosting the teaser launch overseas, Namit said, “Don’t divide. This is not the time to be divisive. The Indian in the America are thanking and appreciating (us for having an event in the US), you need to understand the emotion of the Indian people over there.”
Last week, Ranbir, along with director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, attended events for their upcoming film Ramayana in Los Angeles and New York.
The Global Vision for ‘Ramayana’
Namit also stressed the film’s global intent, mentioning, “There are Indians all over the world. We should not be divisive; that’s where we go wrong on Ramayana. There’s no division, it’s one world, one Ramayana and one Rama. The idea is to show it to the entire world. How do we bring awareness? Every Indian knows it (about Ramayana).”
Namit shared that he wants to make sure “that everybody should know about Ramayana. It’s harder for us in the middle of the shoot to stop work and go and meet people and spread awareness; we are not selling tickets”. He added that he wants to take Ramayana to the world.
Nitesh also addressed why India did not host the first big event, saying, “I’ll pass on the message (to the producer).”
Teaser Launch and Cast Reveal
On Thursday, the ‘Rama glimpse’ of Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation of the epic, was unveiled on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The teaser introduced Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. The teaser was launched in eight cities across India, with the director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra themselves present at the Mumbai launch.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman , and Ravie Dubey as Lakhsman. The Rama glimpse focused only on Lord Rama but also gave fleeting glimpses at other characters, including Lakshman and Sita. The teaser also showed Yash’s Ravana getting out his fabled flying machine, Pushpak Vimana, at the end. The unveiling has sparked a mixed response on social media.
Ramayana features music by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. Ramayana Part One is slated to release in theatres in October 2026, with the second part arriving in 2027.
Ultimately, the creators of ‘Ramayana’ aim for global reach and appreciation. Their strategy involved engaging with audiences worldwide, seeking to unite rather than divide through this epic tale. The film promises a stellar cast and a timeless story.
