From Mumbai garage to 8 Oscar-winning empire: Meet Namit Malhotra, the producer of the most expensive Indian film, Ramayana. His education, career

Time of India

a day ago

Under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is shaping up to be the most grand-scale cinematic endeavor in Indian film history. With a staggering estimated budget of ₹835 crore and an ensemble cast featuring some of the country's most respected actors, the project aims to push boundaries. Leading names like
Ranbir Kapoor
, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol headline the cast, and the creative vision is driven by a director of Tiwari's proven skill. Despite this powerhouse lineup, the name most prominently displayed on the title slate isn't of any actor or the director—it belongs to the film's producer, Namit Malhotra. Though not a household name in India, Malhotra is no stranger to delivering on a global scale.
A Legacy Rooted in Cinema: The Journey of Namit Malhotra
Coming from a lineage deeply entrenched in the Indian film industry, Namit Malhotra is the son of filmmaker Naresh Malhotra and the grandson of renowned cinematographer M.N. Malhotra. After studying computer graphics, Namit ventured into the media business by launching his first company, Video Workshop, in 1995. Initially, the company operated from his father's garage. This initiative, started with three faculty members from his college, focused on delivering post-production services for advertisements, television shows, and music videos. Notably, Video Workshop handled projects such as Boogie Woogie and Gaatha and also managed post-production for Channel V, according to
Pinkvilla.
Two years later, in 1997, Namit merged his startup with his father's film production and rental operations to form
Prime Focus
. Initially offering technical and creative services for film and television content, the company later expanded into movie production. Their production credits eventually included films such as The Hurricane Heist and Brahmastra Part One.
Educational Qualifications
According to an
Economic Times
report, Namit holds a bachelor's Degree in commerce from the HR College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai.
From Prime Focus to Hollywood Recognition: DNEG and Global Success
A major milestone in Namit's career came in 2014 when Prime Focus merged with the British visual effects studio Double Negative, resulting in the formation of DNEG. This strategic collaboration significantly elevated Namit's profile in the global entertainment sector. DNEG quickly became a major force in Hollywood's VFX arena, contributing to cinematic marvels like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the two Dune films. Over the last decade, DNEG has secured the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects seven times, with a total of eight Oscar wins—an extraordinary achievement for any visual effects firm.
Vision Behind Ramayana: Years in the Making
According to an interview with Hindustan Times earlier this year, Namit revealed that the concept for bringing Ramayana to life on screen was conceived as early as 2015. However, the project officially began production in 2023. Malhotra's intent was not only to honor Indian heritage through cinema but to also showcase Indian storytelling on a global stage. He expressed his belief that the timeless nature of Ramayana has universal appeal, much like celebrated Hollywood classics. For Namit, the film is more than just a project—it's a cultural statement and an opportunity to redefine how India is perceived through cinema worldwide.
Blockbuster Cast and Global Musical Collaboration
The film is planned as a two-part saga, with the first installment set to release during Diwali in 2026, and the second arriving a year later. The casting reflects both star power and character depth: Ranbir Kapoor portrays Lord Ram, Yash takes on the role of Ravana, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Ravie Dubey features as Laxmana, and Sunny Deol steps into the shoes of Hanuman. The film's music also brings together legends—Oscar-winning composer
A.R. Rahman
and Hans Zimmer, who makes his Bollywood debut with this collaboration.
With a budget of Rs 835 crore, Ramayana is the most expensive Indian film ever made.
A Visionary Producer with Global Reach
Namit Malhotra, having already worked as a producer on Brahmastra Part One and The Garfield Movie, also holds executive producer credits on international titles like The Hurricane Heist, Horizon Line, Those About to Die, Rally Road Racers, and The Sickhouse. With Ramayana, he is not just creating a film—he is constructing a legacy that bridges India and the world through visual storytelling.