In an era where mythological cinema carries the weight of cultural expectation, producer Namit Malhotra has stepped forward with a measured, gracious response to the mixed reactions following the April 2 release of the first teaser for Ramayana. Titled “Rama,” the 158-second glimpse into Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious two-part adaptation—starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama—has ignited passionate discussions online. While many celebrated the film’s grand scale and Ranbir’s serene portrayal, others sharply criticised the visual effects, dubbing them “AI-like,” “video-gameish,” and occasionally inconsistent, with eagle-eyed viewers pointing to minor glitches such as shifting turban colours in crowd scenes.
On April 7, Malhotra took to social media with a heartfelt note that struck a tone of humility rather than defensiveness. “The response over the past few days has truly been overwhelming, inspiring, and humbling,” he wrote. “Seeing how our Rama continues to touch so many hearts across the world fills me with deep humility and joy. I cherish all of the conversations, the excitement, and feedback. This is a story etched in the souls of billions and deserves our utmost care.” He went on to acknowledge the thousands of artists and collaborators labouring on the project, assuring audiences, “We’re listening closely, working diligently, and pouring every effort possible into honouring it with the reverence it holds.” Concluding on an optimistic note, Malhotra declared, “What you’ve seen so far is just the beginning… We are all striving to bring our epic to life this Diwali on the biggest screens to celebrate our culture and our history.”
The stakes could not be higher. Mounted on a reported budget approaching ₹4,000 crore ($500 million), Ramayana is poised to be one of Indian cinema’s most expensive undertakings. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal), the film brings together an ensemble cast that blends fresh and iconic faces: Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, and even Arun Govil—television’s original Rama—as King Dasharath. Ranbir will portray both Rama and his avatar Parashurama, while the music boasts a rare Indo-Hollywood fusion with AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Production houses Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, and Monster Mind Creations are handling the mammoth VFX load
The teaser’s polarising reception is hardly surprising. Post-Adipurush, audiences have grown wary of rushed mythology adaptations, demanding cinematic depth over spectacle. Some international viewers, however, praised the ambition and stylised visuals, suggesting the film’s global appeal remains intact. Malhotra’s note cleverly sidesteps defensiveness, framing criticism as fuel for improvement while reinforcing the project’s cultural sanctity. “This is our Ramayana. It belongs to us all,” he emphasised—a reminder that the film is not merely entertainment but a shared inheritance.
With Part 1 slated for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 the following year, the coming months will test whether the team can translate feedback into on-screen magic. Malhotra’s message signals confidence tempered by accountability. In an industry often criticised for hubris, his willingness to listen may prove the most powerful teaser yet—one that promises not just spectacle, but a Ramayana worthy of its timeless legacy.