The launch of Ramayana in New York instead of India has sparked controversy among fans, but producer Namit Malhotra has now hit back, asking audiences to avoid making comparisons.Addressing the controversy over staging the teaser abroad, Malhotra told the media, “Don’t distribute it. This is not the time for division.”He added, “Indians in America are appreciative and thankful (for having an event in the US), you have to understand the emotion of Indians there.”Highlighting the film’s global ambition, he further said, “There are Indians all over the world. We should not be divided; that is where we go wrong in the Ramayana. There is no division, it is one world, one Ramayana and one Rama.”the director Nitesh Tiwari He also addressed why India did not host the first major event. “I will convey the message (to the producer),” he said, reacting to fans’ expectations.Explaining the strategy, he added, “For India, you need a special occasion.”
‘We’ve been careful… it’s very real’
Talking about the responsibility of adapting Ramayana, Tiwari acknowledged its emotional significance. “You understand the sensitivity and the attachment (to the Ramayana), you keep those things in mind,” he said.“We have been careful in portraying Lord Rama. He is very authentic to what I feel,” he added, referring to Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal.When asked if Ranbir was always the first choice, Tiwari replied, “Yes.”
“We want to bring Ramayana to the world”
Malhotra confirms that the vision goes beyond domestic audiences. “The idea is to show it to the whole world. How do we bring awareness? Every Indian knows (about the Ramayana),” he said.He further added, “We want to take Ramayana to the world. In over 100 years of films, we have never made a mark in the West.”“It’s not that our films are less; we make great films,” he insisted.
“We are not selling tickets now”
On balancing the promotions of the production, Malhotra said, “I want to make sure that everyone should know Ramayana.”“In the middle of the food, it’s more difficult for us to stop work and go meet people and spread awareness; we don’t sell tickets,” he added.
‘Hold on a little patience’
He also responded to fans who questioned Hanuman’s non-appearance on Hanuman Jayanti. “If the entire Ramayana is ready we will show you,” he said.“People told us that we should do it on Ram Navami. We have never announced that we will come on Ram Navami. I respect your sentiment. Just be patient, we will come up with (other things too).”Ramayana teaser introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama along with Sai Pallavi and Yash. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is being assembled as a two-part epic, with the first part slated for a Diwali release.
