In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, producer Namit Malhotra has reportedly rejected a staggering ₹700 crore bid for the digital rights of his upcoming magnum opus, Ramayana.
The offer, which would have marked the highest-ever OTT acquisition for an Indian film to date, was aimed at securing the streaming rights for both parts of the two-film epic. However, Malhotra and his team at Prime Focus Studios have decided to hold out, signaling immense confidence in the project’s global box-office potential.
A Vision Beyond the Paycheck
Sources close to the production suggest that while the ₹700 crore figure is historic, it still falls short of the makers’ expectations. With a combined production budget estimated at a gargantuan ₹4,000 crore, the team is reportedly eyeing a digital deal closer to the ₹1,000 crore mark.
“Namit believes Ramayana isn’t just a movie; it’s a legacy project,” a source revealed. “The scale at which this is being built—with Oscar-winning VFX from DNEG and a global musical collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman—means the value will only increase once the full trailer and more footage are unveiled.”
Strategic Market Play
By rejecting the early bid, Malhotra is following a high-stakes strategy similar to the one used for the recent blockbuster Dhurandhar. The plan involves:
Staggered Sales: Selling the rights for Part 1 first and keeping Part 2 on hold to capitalize on the first film’s success.
Theatrical Primacy: Ensuring the film recovers the majority of its costs through a massive global theatrical release before it hits small screens.
Global Reach: Targeting international streaming giants who are looking for “tentpole” Indian content that appeals to a worldwide audience.
About the Epic
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being positioned as the most ambitious retelling of the ancient epic. The film features a star-studded ensemble:
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
The first look teaser, which was recently released on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, has already sparked intense debate and excitement online. The production is utilizing cutting-edge technology to ensure the visuals match international standards, justifying its record-breaking budget.
What’s Next?
As the industry watches closely, the “waiting game” continues. If Malhotra secures his desired ₹1,000 crore deal, it will set a new benchmark for Indian cinema, proving that high-concept mythological stories remain the biggest draw in the modern entertainment landscape.
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide during Diwali 2026, with the sequel expected to follow in Diwali 2027. To know
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