Producer Namit Malhotra has reportedly rejected a ₹700 crore offer for the streaming rights of the upcoming film 'Ramayana'. Malhotra is instead aiming for a significantly higher deal, reportedly in the vicinity of ₹1000 crore. This move comes as the film's initial glimpse has seemingly bolstered its financial standing, with the production house, Prime Focus, experiencing a surge in share value.
The film, slated to be a two-part epic, has garnered attention for its staggering budget, estimated to be around ₹4000 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film produced to date. This figure places 'Ramayana' in league with some of Hollywood's most colossal productions, such as 'Avatar 2 & 3' and 'Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame'.
Financial Maneuvers and Star Investment
The financial valuation of 'Ramayana' appears to have escalated rapidly, with reports suggesting the production has already "earned" ₹1000 crore prior to its release, tied to the market performance of Prime Focus shares. Following the release of the film's first glimpse, Prime Focus shares reportedly peaked at ₹176 on July 3rd.
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Adding another layer to the financial narrative, lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram, is also set to become an investor in the production house. While the exact price of his stake is undisclosed, his investment is estimated to be around ₹20 crore based on current market valuations.
Global Ambitions and Unspecified Production Details
Producer Namit Malhotra has articulated a vision for 'Ramayana' that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. He stated that the film is intended to be a "global film from the day we start," and is not being made "to appease Indian people in India." Malhotra expressed a desire for the film's emotional resonance to be universally appreciated, by both believers and non-believers alike. This sentiment is echoed by IMAX CEO and director Nitesh Tiwari, who backs Malhotra's expansive approach.
Despite the significant financial figures and ambitious global outlook, specific details regarding the production process, beyond the immense budget and cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravan, remain largely undefined in the provided material. Malhotra has indicated a willingness to potentially spend "3 times more" than the initial ₹4000 crore budget if necessary.
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