- Ramayana makers focus on global rollout before hosting a large-scale India event
- Ranbir Kapoor was the preferred choice to portray Lord Rama from the start
- The film aims to present Ramayana authentically while respecting its cultural sensitivity
The makers of Ramayana have begun sharing details about the project following the release of its teaser, which introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and hints at the film's scale.
What's Happening
- According to India Today, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra spoke about the film's rollout strategy, its global ambitions and the responsibility of adapting a story as culturally significant as the Ramayana.
- When asked about the possibility of hosting a large-scale event in India, Tiwari indicated that such a move would require the right timing.
- "I'll pass on the message (to the producer)," he said, adding, "For India, you need a special occasion."
- The team has currently focused on international outreach, with the makers suggesting that the scale of the project calls for a broader global introduction before domestic events.
On Handling The Sensitivity Of Ramayana
Nitesh Tiwari acknowledged the emotional weight attached to the epic and said the team has been mindful in its approach.
"You understand the sensitivity and attachment (for Ramayana), you keep those things in mind. We've taken care in portraying Lord Rama. It's very authentic is what I feel," he said.
He also confirmed that Kapoor was always the preferred choice to play Lord Rama, stating, "Yes."
"One World, One Ramayana"
Producer Namit Malhotra stressed that the film is being designed for a global audience, pushing back against the idea of limiting its reach.
"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)," he said.
Speaking about the ongoing production process, he added, "I want 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."
Malhotra further highlighted the larger aim of taking Indian cinema to international audiences. "We want to take Ramayana to the world. In 100-plus years of films, we've never made a mark in the West. We make 1000 plus films a year; they may see and respect our films. It's not that our films are any less; we make outstanding films," he said.
On Audience Expectations
Responding to questions about an event in India, Malhotra reiterated his stance. "Don't divide. This is not the time to be divisive. The Indians in 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," he said.
He also addressed fan curiosity around character reveals, including the absence of a Hanuman look on Hanuman Jayanti.
"We will show you the entire Ramayana if it was ready. People told us on Ram Navami that we should do it (unveil the look of Ramayana). We never announced that we are coming on Ram Navami. I respect your sentiment. Keep some patience, we will bring out (other things too)," he said.
Background
The first installment of Ramayana is currently in post-production, while the second part is already being filmed. The makers are aiming for a Diwali release for the first film.
