India’s Newest Epic: A Fusion of ‘Avatar’ and ‘Gladiator’ on a ‘Lord of the Rings’ Scale

While the name DNEG might not be a household word, their cinematic craftsmanship is ubiquitous. Under the leadership of CEO Namit Malhotra, the London-based visual effects powerhouse has secured eight Academy Awards for its contributions to modern masterpieces like Ex Machina and Inception. Now, the studio is pivoting its focus toward a monumental Bollywood fantasy. Malhotra and his creative partners believe that the breathtaking visuals of Ramayana—rooted in one of India’s most revered legends—will resonate with a global audience.

The first chapter, Ramayana: Part 1, is slated for a worldwide theatrical debut this autumn, with the second installment scheduled to conclude the saga exactly one year later. Ahead of the highly anticipated trailer release, the production team traveled to the U.S. for an exclusive preview. During the event, Malhotra, alongside director Nitesh Tiwari and leading man Ranbir Kapoor, shared insights into the film’s ambitious scale.

For Malhotra, who has taken a hands-on approach to the script and development, this project is a vehicle to elevate Indian heritage on the world stage while directly challenging the supremacy of Hollywood’s biggest franchises.

“We are aiming for the sprawling magnitude of The Lord of the Rings, combined with the groundbreaking creature design of Avatar and the grounded emotional stakes of Gladiator,” Malhotra explained. “Fusing these elements necessitates a level of technical innovation that pushes the boundaries of modern filmmaking.”

While specific behind-the-scenes methodologies remain under wraps, the early footage focuses heavily on Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of the legendary hero, Rama. Rather than overwhelming viewers with plot details, the teaser emphasizes the character’s gravitas and the film’s sheer scope, featuring glimpses of Rama battling a titan—a sequence that evokes the epic scale of Middle-earth.

Malhotra views the production as a pivotal evolution in cinematic technology, suggesting it could set a new benchmark not just for Bollywood, but for the entire international film industry. He anticipates a future where Hollywood studios look to Ramayana as the gold standard for high-concept blockbusters.

“To put it simply, Ramayana is the most complex undertaking DNEG has ever faced,” Malhotra stated. “This reflects the unprecedented level of artistic oversight and the intricate planning required to integrate various visual technologies. It mirrors the structure of a major Hollywood tentpole but strives to venture even further.”

Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to premiere in India on November 8, with a simultaneous worldwide release this fall.

Source: Polygon