Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated cinematic adaptation of the “Ramayana,” titled “Ramayana: Part One,” is set to make waves in the entertainment world. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, the film will be available for on-demand purchase on JioHotstar in India following its theatrical release, marking a significant advance in streaming options for Indian audiences.
Exclusive Pay-Per-View Offering
In a groundbreaking deal between JioHotstar and Prime Focus Studios, viewers will have the opportunity to purchase the film separately on the platform. This collaboration is heralded as the first pay-per-view offering of its kind on JioHotstar, with the film streaming in the highest quality supported by each device.
A Timeless Epic Comes to Life
The narrative of “Ramayana: Part One” centers around the exiled prince Rama, played by Ranbir Kapoor, and his consort, Sita, portrayed by Sai Pallavi. Their story unfolds in a journey marked by catastrophe, initiated by Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana, played by Yash. This sets the stage for an epic war that pits righteousness against evil. The cast also includes notable performances from Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and a star-studded ensemble featuring Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, and Kajal Aggarwal.
Global Release and Multilingual Availability
“Ramayana: Part One” is set to release worldwide on November 5, coinciding with the Diwali festival. The film will be available in various languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and English, and will be showcased in IMAX 3D among other formats. Global distribution is managed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, while Dharma Productions, led by media personality Karan Johar, will oversee its Indian distribution.
Honoring a Cultural Touchstone
Nita M. Ambani, chair of JioStar, emphasized the cultural significance of the “Ramayana,” stating, “It is one of India’s greatest civilizational treasures – a story that has shaped our conscience, inspired our imagination, and guided the way we live for centuries.” She further noted that JioHotstar aims to leverage technology to make significant stories accessible to all Indians, highlighting the film as an introduction to the enduring values of duty, love, courage, and goodness for a new generation.
A Fusion of Talent and Technology
Produced by Prime Focus Studios along with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, “Ramayana” is a live-action project that will be released in two parts. Shridhar Raghavan has taken on the challenging task of adapting Valmiki’s epic for the screen. Namit Malhotra, founder and CEO of DNEG, underscored the importance of experiencing the film on the largest screen possible, stating, “But our country’s cinema infrastructure cannot reach everyone who holds this epic close. ‘Ramayana’ belongs to every Indian, and our ambition must reflect that.” He cited JioHotstar’s history of uniting audiences through sports and entertainment as a reason for the partnership.
Cinematic Excellence
“Ramayana” boasts an impressive production team that includes Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman as composers. The film’s production design is credited to Ravi Bansal and Ramsey Avery, while the action scenes are overseen by Terry Notary and Guy Norris. Designed with IMAX and other premium large formats in mind, the film represents a blend of Indian and international talent aimed at delivering a captivating viewing experience.
