Can Namit Malhotra’s Ramayan fix the wound that Adipurush left us with?

By Ayush Sachan

When Om Raut’s “great epic” hit the screens in 2023, it was one of the most hyped project mythological releases. But let’s be honest, “Adipurush” was a lesson in how not to adapt sacred epics. Despite a star-studded cast including Prabhas and Kriti Sanon, the film faltered on multiple fronts,

The visuals felt without any soul, the dialogues were cringe worthy and Character Designs that drew more comparisons to fantasy villains than revered deities. Adipurush didn’t just fail because of bad CGI or poor writing. It failed because it broke a sacred trust. When audience comes to watch a film like Ramayana, they don’t just bring their curiosity, they bring there nostalgia and faith and high hopes of there epic being represented with utmost sincerity and respect.

So, when Namit Malhotra announced his version of Ramayana to the audience, the skepticism feels justified.

Namit Malhotra’s Vision

If we talk about Namit Malhotra’s resume he does have very impressive work to show. His company’s portfolio includes films like Dune, Tenet, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer.

Now, with a deep interest in bringing India’s mythological narratives to life, Malhotra has taken on the monumental task of creating a new Ramayan.

And this time, he seems determined to get it right.

And there are various reasons why one might believe that there is a chance to see it work out perfectly, lets break them down one by one

A Proven Director

Nitesh Tiwari, known for Dangal and Chhichhore, is helming the project. His strength lies in telling emotional, layered stories without losing grip on mass appeal. This offers hope that the new Ramayan will blend spectacle with soul.

Promising Casting Choices

Though the full cast list is under wraps, strong rumors suggest:

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
• Sai Pallavi as Sita
• Yash (of KGF fame) as Ravana

This ensemble combines intensity with artistic depth, a welcome change from the flat character portrayals in Adipurush.

World-Class Visuals

Malhotra’s team at DNEG, a multi-Oscar-winning VFX studio, is expected to work on the project. That means audiences can expect visuals that are both technically breathtaking and spiritually resonant, not the plastic-fantasy tone that plagued Adipurush.

Respect for the Source

The early buzz suggests that the script has undergone extensive research and vetting to ensure cultural and religious accuracy. The team reportedly consulted with scholars and spiritual advisors—something that was sorely missed in the last adaptation.

What Needs to Be Done Right

To truly redeem the narrative, Malhotra’s Ramayan must:

• Honor the sanctity of the story, avoiding creative liberties that distort its core values.
• Use dialogue that resonates with dignity, not internet slang.
• Present characters with grace and gravitas, maintaining the epic’s moral and philosophical tone.
• Provide a balanced portrayal that invites all generations to connect with the story, emotionally and intellectually.

Final Thoughts: Redemption Is Possible
Adipurush didn’t just fail because of bad CGI or poor writing. It failed because it broke a sacred trust. When audiences come to a film like Ramayan, they bring not just their curiosity, but their faith, nostalgia, and reverence.

Namit Malhotra’s Ramayan has the power to rebuild that trust—if it stays true to its roots while offering cinematic excellence. With the right blend of technology, storytelling, and cultural sensitivity, this could be the mythological epic that India truly deserves.

But until it releases, hope should be mixed with cautious optimism.