"Shame on me if West doesn't like Ramayana," says the producer of Ranbir Kapoor's Epic –

Ramayana Reception in West:

Producer Namita Malhotra, who is backing the much-awaited Ranbir Kapoor starrer Ramayana, believes that the film must appeal to audiences across the globe. Speaking to LA Times, he stressed that the vision behind the project goes far beyond catering to only Indian viewers.

“It’s a global film from the day we start. I’m not trying to make it to appease Indian people in India… If you go and watch Ramayana and your family watches it, and people in India watch it, what’s the difference? It should speak to you like any other film,” Malhotra explained.

The producer said the film has been designed to resonate with both believers and non-believers, aiming to cross cultural and religious boundaries. He compared the project’s scale and ambition to Hollywood epics such as Avatar, Gladiator, and films made by Christopher Nolan.

“In my mind, if people in the West don’t like it, I consider that a failure. It is meant for the world. If you don’t like it, shame on me, we should have done a better job,” he remarked.

Malhotra highlighted that emotions are the key to universal storytelling. “Emotions are universal. If the audience connects emotionally, they will connect with the story, no matter where they’re from,” she added.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor in the role of lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as maa Sita, Yash as Raavana and Sunny Deol age lord Hanuman. The first part of Ramayana will be released on Diwali 2026, followed by part 2 on Diwali 2027.

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