Filmmaker and global VFX powerhouse Namit malhotra isn’t just backing a mythological epic – he’s mounting a cultural statement. His ambitious two-part adaptation of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, aims to present India’s civilisational grandeur to the world on a scale rarely attempted before. At a recent industry event, Malhotra opened up about how the project took shape – and why it became personal. Speaking at an event organised by ET Now, Malhotra reflected on his early years in Hollywood and the absence he keenly felt. “When I went to Hollywood, I saw that we had no real presence. They didn’t have any representation of our history or culture. I’ve spent the last two decades really trying to establish a foothold in Hollywood, and unlike other American industries like finance and medicine, where Indians have had success, they didn’t have an appreciation for our industry, our history or culture,” said Malhotra.As the head of DNEG, the VFX giant behind multiple Oscar-winning films, Malhotra had a front-row seat to global storytelling – yet found Indian narratives missing from the grand stage.
Ramayana is India’s answer to Hollywood! Namit Malhotra reveals ‘film was born out of frustration’
