Get ready to witness India’s cultural legacy like never before—because Ramayana, the upcoming epic starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, is poised to rival Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a film rooted in ancient mythology truly compete with modern Hollywood spectacles? Producer Namit Malhotra thinks so, and he’s putting his money where his mouth is. At the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026, Malhotra boldly declared that Ramayana matches—and possibly surpasses—Hollywood in scale, VFX, and ambition. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this two-part saga is set to release during Diwali in 2026 and 2027, and it’s already one of the most talked-about projects of the year.
Malhotra’s vision isn’t just about making a big film; it’s about reclaiming India’s narrative on the global stage. And this is the part most people miss: For decades, India’s rich history and culture have been underrepresented or misrepresented in Western media. Malhotra’s journey in Hollywood revealed a glaring absence of Indian stories, and it frustrated him. ‘We were seen through the lens of an emerging country,’ he said, ‘but we have a legacy that deserves to be celebrated, not overlooked.’ Ramayana, he believes, is the perfect vehicle to showcase India’s essence—its roots, traditions, and identity—in a way that commands global respect.
The film’s cast is nothing short of stellar, with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Joining them are Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Here’s the kicker: The soundtrack is being crafted by the legendary duo of Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, blending Western and Indian musical genius. But the real question is: Can Ramayana bridge the gap between cultural authenticity and mainstream appeal? Malhotra is confident, stating, ‘We have everything Hollywood has, but we’re telling a story that’s uniquely ours.’
What makes this project even more groundbreaking is its scale. Malhotra emphasizes that Ramayana is the largest independently financed film in the world, with technical and visual standards that rival any global production. ‘People should feel tremendous pride,’ he said. But pride aside, the film’s success could redefine how Indian stories are told and perceived globally. Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is Ramayana just a film, or is it a cultural movement? And more importantly, will it inspire other filmmakers to bring India’s untold stories to the forefront? Let’s discuss—do you think Ramayana can truly challenge Hollywood’s dominance, or is it an ambitious dream? Share your thoughts in the comments!
