Latest news with #Namit
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Clearly Beyond Us': Namit Malhotra Shares Hans Zimmer's Reaction To Ramayana
Last Updated: Namit was quite appreciative of Hans Zimmer's understanding of the epic and said that he was content that the composer felt passionately about it. Ramayana remains one of the most eagerly anticipated movies so far, and producer Namit Malhotra has promised a never-before-seen visual spectacle. Legendary music composers AR Rahman from India and Hollywood's Hans Zimmer have teamed for the first time for the epic. In a recent podcast with Prakhar Gupta, chairman of DNEG and Prime Focus, Namit Malhitra discussed how Hans Zimmer, composer of The Lion King and Interstellar, reacted to the Indian epic story. During the podcast, Namit recalled that when he began explaining Ramayana to Hans Zimmer, he stopped him midway, saying that he did not want an explanation. When the producer asked the reason, Hans Zimmer said, 'It's clearly something beyond us. You and I don't need to explain it." Namit further quoted him saying: 'You don't have to explain it (Ramayana) to me. Something that has lived through thousands of years, generations of people, and continues to be relevant after all of that time you and I don't need to explain it. Something is there, why it is relevant even today. Let's acknowledge it and let's do the best we can because it's clearly something that's beyond us." Namit was quite appreciative of Hans Zimmer's understanding of the epic and said that he was content that the composer felt passionately about it. Moreover, Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman are big names in the entertainment industry, and Namit shared what it is like to work with the duo. He noted, 'I have sometimes sat there and witnessed the two of them together. I'm like… there is so much mutual respect, so much admiration for each other's work that, as artists, it's actually something to learn from." The teaser for Ramayana, released a few days ago, sets up a vast narrative, of the epic Rama vs Ravana battle. The star cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and KGF actor Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol stars as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey plays Lakshman. The Ramayana is filmed for IMAX and will be released worldwide: Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. First Published: July 17, 2025, 15:36 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hans Zimmer asked not to explain Ramayana to him, says Namit Malhotra: ‘He insisted AR Rahman's name should go first'
Ramayana continues to be one of the most anticipated cinematic spectacles in the making, and producer Namit Malhotra is slowly giving fans a glimpse into its ambitious scale. In a recent podcast with Prakhar Gupta, the DNEG and Prime Focus chairman revealed how The Lion King and Interstellar composer Hans Zimmer reacted when he was first introduced to the story of the Indian epic. 'So beautifully put by someone who doesn't know Ramayana' Namit recalled that when he began explaining Ramayana to Zimmer, the latter stopped him midway. 'He asked me not to explain anything,' said Namit. Curious, he asked the composer why. 'Hans replied, 'It's clearly something beyond us. You and I don't need to explain it.'' Expanding on Zimmer's words, Namit quoted him saying: 'You don't have to explain it (Ramayana) to me. Something that has lived through thousands of years, generations of people, and continues to be relevant after all of that time — you and I don't need to explain it. Something is there, why it is relevant even today. Let's acknowledge it and let's do the best we can because it's clearly something that's beyond us.' For Namit, Zimmer's respectful response was humbling. 'I was like that is so beautifully put by someone who doesn't know anything about Ramayana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Paras Floret Low-Rise Flats Paras The Florett Book Now Undo But he is giving reverence and saying just the fact that it exists and continues to be relevant... people feel emotionally about it and passionately about it. That's it. I did not need more.' Sunny Deol to Play 'Lord Hanuman' in 'Ramayana'| Gets '15 Minutes of High-Octane Screen Time' When Zimmer insisted AR Rahman's name should go first The mega-budget film brings together two titans of music, Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, in a rare collaboration that is already being touted as historic. Namit shared what it's like to witness the duo working together: 'I have sometimes sat there and witnessed the two of them together. I'm like... there is so much mutual respect, so much admiration for each other's work that, as artists, it's actually something to learn from. ' He also recalled a touching moment of cultural exchange between the two maestros. While finalising the name placement in the promotional material, Zimmer said Rahman's name should be listed first (on the left). But Rahman gently responded, 'Sir, you are part of our culture. You are our guest. We have invited you into this. So our culture says you come first, I come second.' Ramayana budget crosses Rs 4000 crore Backed by a reported production cost of USD 500 million (over Rs 4000 crore), Ramayana will be released as a duology. The first part, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is eyeing a Diwali 2026 release. Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Rama, while Yash takes on the role of Ravana, with an ensemble cast that remains under wraps but is expected to include top-tier talent from across the industry.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's Ramayana budget revealed: Both parts cost Rs 4,000 crore; more expensive than Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman
As the much-anticipated first glimpse of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One continues to trend across social media and dominate online conversations, fans are abuzz with excitement over the film's grand scale and the epic face-off between Ranbir Kapoor's Ram and Yash's Ravan. Amid the growing anticipation, producer Namit Malhotra, who is also the founder and non-executive director of Prime Focus Limited, a leading Indian visual and special effects company, recently spoke with Prakhar Gupta about the budget of the project, the journey behind it, and the vision guiding its creation. He said, 'So, when we set out to make it, six, seven years ago, just after the pandemic, when we started to really get serious about mounting it and producing it, and budget-wise, it was like everybody thought I'm a lunatic. Because no Indian film, by a long distance, comes close to it. So, to put it simply, it'll be about $500 million by the time we're done, on both films put together, part one and part two, which is over Rs 4,000 crore.' Despite industry skepticism over the scale of spending, Namit insists the project is both financially responsible and creatively necessary. 'So, I say it like this: we're making the largest film in the world for the greatest story, the greatest epic, that the world should see. And I still think it's cheaper than what it cost to make some of the biggest Hollywood films. So I think we're making a bigger film at a lower cost. Because that Indian in me still believes that we're not being irresponsible financially. We're not being irresponsible with money.' Namit said that the industry might view him as irresponsible, but the investment is justified. Also Read | Ranbir Kapoor's onscreen mother from Ramayana says he never showed any starry attitude: 'I did Animal with him, he recommended me' For Namit, Ramayana is a way to honour India's foundational cultural ethos, and to share it with the world. 'I'm taking the greatest belief system of our country. We're taking something that we have pride in. It's a foundational piece of our culture. And I'm going to mount it and present it in the grandest form possible. And it's going to cost whatever it costs. Why is that a risk? When I think about Ramayana, I'm like, is it really a risk? All I'm doing is, I have to just make sure we do justice to people's expectations, and beyond. There has to be pride that must come through, in every Indian first, and then every other person in the world, to say: that's a great piece of culture. I genuinely think the relevance of Ramayana today in the world, not just India, is massive. Look at the wars in the West. Look at the way the countries are operating. I've lived in America. I've lived in the UK. I've hesitated to send my kids abroad to study.' He also shared his belief that Indian culture and stories like Ramayana offer a much-needed grounding in today's global climate. 'My kids are growing up in Mumbai today. They're going to Indian schools. I want them to study in India. Not because I don't believe in the Western education system, but because I genuinely have greater faith and confidence in India today. And I'm making those decisions. And I'm making that commitment. So I'm like, there's something we're doing right. The West has sort of lost its way a little bit. And nothing like our culture to really help give that grounding and anchor. We're not trying to provide sermons to the world. But what we're saying is: Hey, we've learned a lot from you. Take something from us.' Director Nitesh Tiwari also echoed this sentiment at the official first glimpse launch earlier this month, expressing that his intention with Ramayana is to evoke pride in India's ancient culture and heritage. Ramayana will be released in two parts, with Part One scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Part Two for Diwali 2027. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravan, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Ramayana: Part One's production budget equals those of films such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3. It is higher than the $225 that was spent on the new Superman film, and also higher than the $180 million spent on Jurassic World Rebirth.
India.com
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who is Namit Malhotra? The brain behind Ranbir Kapoor and Yash starrer Ramayana, India's most expensive film, he has won 8...
Finally, after a long wait, the teaser of Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited project Ramayana was released on July 4, 2025. With a reported budget of ₹835 crore, Ramayana is set to be one of the biggest films Bollywood has ever produced. The mythological saga features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in key lead roles. While Ranbir will play Lord Ram, Sai will essay the role of Sita, and the role of Ravana will be portrayed by Yash. As the epic saga is set to hit the big screens on Diwali 2026, let's take a look at the man who is the brain behind this masterpiece. Who is Namit Malhotra, Ramayana's Producer? Namit Malhotra comes from a family of film producers and cinematographers. While Namit's father, Naresh Malhotra, was a producer, his grandfather, M. N. Malhotra, was a cinematographer. Namit completed his education in computer graphics and then started his own company called Video Workshop. His co-founders were his teachers from college. Interestingly, the editing studio they created was based out of his father's garage. The company worked on shows like Boogie Woogie, Gaatha, and also provided post-production facilities for Channel V. In 1997, Namit decided to merge Video Workshop with his father's film production and rental business, creating Prime Focus. The company initially offered technological and creative services for television shows and films before expanding into film production with projects like The Hurricane Heist and later Brahmastra Part One. In 2014, Prime Focus merged with Double Negative, a UK-based VFX studio, to form DNEG. The company specializes in visual effects and has worked on films like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the two Dune films. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Namit shared his vision for Ramayana. He said, 'I'm keen to not just make India proud but excite the world about Indian storytelling and really celebrate global cinema together. It's not like we don't like Hollywood films. It's not like we don't see an Oppenheimer and have a great feeling, or a Forrest Gump, or any of these landmark films.' He further added, 'Their stories are universal. I believe this is universal, too. This is that opportunity that I believe I'm pretty fortunate to have received in my life, and I hope I can deliver.'
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Mumbai garage to 8 Oscar-winning empire: Meet Namit Malhotra, the producer of the most expensive Indian film, Ramayana. His education, career
Under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is shaping up to be the most grand-scale cinematic endeavor in Indian film history. With a staggering estimated budget of ₹835 crore and an ensemble cast featuring some of the country's most respected actors, the project aims to push boundaries. Leading names like Ranbir Kapoor , Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol headline the cast, and the creative vision is driven by a director of Tiwari's proven skill. Despite this powerhouse lineup, the name most prominently displayed on the title slate isn't of any actor or the director—it belongs to the film's producer, Namit Malhotra. Though not a household name in India, Malhotra is no stranger to delivering on a global scale. A Legacy Rooted in Cinema: The Journey of Namit Malhotra Coming from a lineage deeply entrenched in the Indian film industry, Namit Malhotra is the son of filmmaker Naresh Malhotra and the grandson of renowned cinematographer M.N. Malhotra. After studying computer graphics, Namit ventured into the media business by launching his first company, Video Workshop, in 1995. Initially, the company operated from his father's garage. This initiative, started with three faculty members from his college, focused on delivering post-production services for advertisements, television shows, and music videos. Notably, Video Workshop handled projects such as Boogie Woogie and Gaatha and also managed post-production for Channel V, according to Pinkvilla. Two years later, in 1997, Namit merged his startup with his father's film production and rental operations to form Prime Focus . Initially offering technical and creative services for film and television content, the company later expanded into movie production. Their production credits eventually included films such as The Hurricane Heist and Brahmastra Part One. Educational Qualifications According to an Economic Times report, Namit holds a bachelor's Degree in commerce from the HR College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai. From Prime Focus to Hollywood Recognition: DNEG and Global Success A major milestone in Namit's career came in 2014 when Prime Focus merged with the British visual effects studio Double Negative, resulting in the formation of DNEG. This strategic collaboration significantly elevated Namit's profile in the global entertainment sector. DNEG quickly became a major force in Hollywood's VFX arena, contributing to cinematic marvels like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the two Dune films. Over the last decade, DNEG has secured the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects seven times, with a total of eight Oscar wins—an extraordinary achievement for any visual effects firm. Vision Behind Ramayana: Years in the Making According to an interview with Hindustan Times earlier this year, Namit revealed that the concept for bringing Ramayana to life on screen was conceived as early as 2015. However, the project officially began production in 2023. Malhotra's intent was not only to honor Indian heritage through cinema but to also showcase Indian storytelling on a global stage. He expressed his belief that the timeless nature of Ramayana has universal appeal, much like celebrated Hollywood classics. For Namit, the film is more than just a project—it's a cultural statement and an opportunity to redefine how India is perceived through cinema worldwide. Blockbuster Cast and Global Musical Collaboration The film is planned as a two-part saga, with the first installment set to release during Diwali in 2026, and the second arriving a year later. The casting reflects both star power and character depth: Ranbir Kapoor portrays Lord Ram, Yash takes on the role of Ravana, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Ravie Dubey features as Laxmana, and Sunny Deol steps into the shoes of Hanuman. The film's music also brings together legends—Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who makes his Bollywood debut with this collaboration. With a budget of Rs 835 crore, Ramayana is the most expensive Indian film ever made. A Visionary Producer with Global Reach Namit Malhotra, having already worked as a producer on Brahmastra Part One and The Garfield Movie, also holds executive producer credits on international titles like The Hurricane Heist, Horizon Line, Those About to Die, Rally Road Racers, and The Sickhouse. With Ramayana, he is not just creating a film—he is constructing a legacy that bridges India and the world through visual storytelling.
