May 2, 2025: Namit Malhotra, the visionary producer behind the much-anticipated film Ramayana, announced that the planned unveiling of the film’s first look at the WAVES 2025 summit has been postponed due to the ongoing situation in Pahalgam. The epic mythological saga, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, was set to debut its first visual asset at the global entertainment event in Mumbai.
“We planned to launch the Ramayana glimpse today at WAVES 2025, but postponed it due to Pahalgam,” Malhotra told the media, acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding the current events unfolding in the region.
Despite the delay, Malhotra expressed his deep satisfaction with the progress of the film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for acclaimed hits like Dangal and Chhichhore. The production is now moving into its second phase of filming and continues to push the boundaries of cinematic technology.
The producer emphasized the global ambition behind Ramayana, stating, “Ramayana is a story meant for the world.” He highlighted how the film is being developed using cutting-edge VFX and real-time AI lip-sync technology, allowing characters to speak authentically in multiple languages. “Our aim is to make audiences across the globe feel as though it was made in their own language,” he said, underscoring a major shift in how Indian epics are adapted for worldwide audiences.
Malhotra further explained that the team is committed to honoring the soul of the epic while modernizing its storytelling to connect with global viewers. “Ramayana deserves to be localized — to be told in every tongue, in every corner of the world,” he added.
The film is slated for release in two parts, with the first installment expected in 2026 and the second in 2027. Malhotra, who has previously been involved in high-profile Hollywood projects such as Dune and Inception, has described Ramayana as a deeply personal and ambitious journey. In a statement released with the film’s first poster, he reflected:
“More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5000 years to the big screen. And today, I am thrilled to see it taking shape beautifully as our teams work tirelessly with only one purpose: to present the most authentic, sacred, and visually stunning adaptation of our history, our truth, and our culture—our Ramayana—for people across the world.”
While fans may be disappointed by the delay, the team’s vision and dedication suggest that the wait for Ramayana will be well worth it.