Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, is shaping up to be one of the biggest films of the year. With the movie eyeing a Diwali 2026 release, producer Namit Malhotra is now busy locking an OTT release deal for the magnum opus. With a production budget of Rs 4,000 crore for the two films combined, the stakes are high, and amid all the discussions, it has been reported that Namit has rejected a whopping Rs 700 crore deal for the Ranbir Kapoor starrer.
As per Bollywood Hungama, a source shared that Namit received an offer of Rs 700 crore for both films together, but he didn’t take long to reject the deal, given the cost at which it has been built. “He is expecting a Rs 1,000 crore deal from OTT players, leaving Rs 3,000 crore to be recovered from other sources, including global theatrical," the source stated.
As per the update, Namit is quite confident that OTT giants will increase the offer. “It’s a film that gives all platforms global reach. And Rs 1,000 crore for two films put together is a rather good price given the potential. He is holding the rights close to his chest and will partner with the right player at the right price. There’s a possibility for him to sell just Part 1 now and hold back Part 2 till the release of Part 1, a strategy that team Dhurandhar The Revenge opted for," the source added.
A first look at Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, envisioned as a two-part cinematic retelling of the ancient epic, unveiled its first glimpse on April 2, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The teaser offers audiences their first look at Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama, a figure deeply revered across generations.
Backed by Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, the film brings together large-scale filmmaking with a story that holds deep cultural and spiritual importance.
Scale and storytelling
Ramayana: Part 1 brings together a wide ensemble, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film combines Indian storytelling traditions with global filmmaking expertise, including music by Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman.
The narrative follows Rama’s journey alongside Sita and Lakshman, leading to a larger cosmic conflict that has been central to the epic for centuries. The first part of Ramayana is set to release in theatres globally during Diwali 2026, with the second part scheduled for Diwali 2027.
Source: News18