Ramayana Producer Namit Malhotra Unveils Epic at Los Angeles Academy Museum Premiere
Film producer Namit Malhotra hosted the global premiere of mythological cinematic epic Ramayana at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. Malhotra described the screening at the David Geffen Theater as his personal Oscar moment ahead of the film's worldwide release. The invite-only 3D showcase took place inside the 945-seat venue at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 27. Malhotra reflected on his journey from a third-generation film family in Mumbai to expanding visual effects company DNEG in Los Angeles. The producer recalled navigating financial difficulties during the 2008 economic downturn before building a recognized creative enterprise. During his stage address, Malhotra introduced director Nitesh Tiwari and lead cast members Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash. Ranbir Kapoor portrays Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi stars as Sita and actor Yash plays Ravana in the cinematic adaptation.
The ensemble cast also features Sunny Deol portraying Hanuman alongside veteran actors Arun Govil and Lara Dutta in key roles. Malhotra characterized the production as an ambitious creative bridge connecting traditional Indian storytelling with Western technical craft. Speaking to news reporters, Malhotra noted that prominent promotional billboards across Los Angeles highlighted the global stature of Indian filmmaking. The two-part cinematic saga reportedly carries an aggregate production investment of approximately four thousand crore rupees. Production is backed by Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, visual effects studio DNEG, and Yash's Monster Mind Creations. Renowned composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman collaborated for the first time to compose the original orchestral score. The first chapter of the epic is scheduled to debut in worldwide theaters on November 5, 2026.
The combined production budget for both parts of Ramayana will reach about $500 million, which is over Rs 4,000 crore, according to The Indian Express.
Prime Focus merged with visual effects studio DNEG, which produced Academy Award-winning visual effects for major global films including Inception, Interstellar, Dune, and Dune: Part Two, according to The Indian Express.
The concluding second installment is planned for theatrical distribution during the Diwali festive window in 2027. The film will release across multilingual formats including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam language presentations. Sony Pictures will manage theatrical distribution across international markets outside India, while Dharma Productions handles domestic Indian distribution. Attendees at the Los Angeles premiere dressed in traditional Indian ethnic wear, adding cultural authenticity to the red carpet. Malhotra expressed gratitude toward investment partners Prabhu Narasimhan and studio executives for backing his long-term creative vision. Industry observers noted that the high-profile premiere sets expectations for one of the most anticipated releases in Indian cinema history. The production team stated that advance ticket bookings will commence across domestic multiplex circuits in coming days. The expansive supporting cast features established performers including Anupam Kher, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, and Vivek Oberoi. Malhotra emphasized that the Hollywood premiere engaged mainstream international filmgoers rather than catering exclusively to overseas diaspora communities.
American actress Jada Pinkett Smith and filmmaker Jill V. Dae attended the Los Angeles premiere of Ramayana.