Producer Namit Malhotra recently opened up about the thought process behind introducing global audiences to Ramayana, revealing that the team is taking a character-first approach by focusing on Lord Ram before diving into the larger epic.
Speaking during a special interaction in New York, held as part of the film’s international rollout, Malhotra shared that the idea is to first familiarise audiences, especially those outside India, with the essence of Lord Ram. The event followed an earlier showcase in Los Angeles, where the makers presented the film’s first glimpse to a select audience.
According to Malhotra, understanding Lord Ram is key to understanding Ramayana itself. He explained that the team wants global viewers to connect with Ram’s values, beliefs, and moral perspective before exploring the scale of the epic narrative. He believes this foundation will help audiences better appreciate why the story continues to resonate across generations.
He also reflected on how Ramayana has been passed down through oral traditions over centuries, keeping its relevance alive through storytelling within families. Malhotra pointed out that while the epic holds deep cultural significance in India, much of the Western world remains unfamiliar with its emotional and philosophical depth. This, he said, made it essential to begin the journey by introducing Lord Ram as a character.
At the same time, Malhotra emphasised that the film is not limited to a single protagonist. The story expands into a vast universe filled with multiple characters, arcs, and interconnected narratives that together shape the epic.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The first glimpse of the film, already screened for select audiences in the United States, is set to release publicly on April 2, with the film slated for a Diwali 2026 theatrical release.