Latest news with #VideoWorkshop
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who is Namit Malhotra? The brain behind Ranbir Kapoor and Yash starrer Ramayana, India's most expensive film, he has won 8...
Finally, after a long wait, the teaser of Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited project Ramayana was released on July 4, 2025. With a reported budget of ₹835 crore, Ramayana is set to be one of the biggest films Bollywood has ever produced. The mythological saga features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in key lead roles. While Ranbir will play Lord Ram, Sai will essay the role of Sita, and the role of Ravana will be portrayed by Yash. As the epic saga is set to hit the big screens on Diwali 2026, let's take a look at the man who is the brain behind this masterpiece. Who is Namit Malhotra, Ramayana's Producer? Namit Malhotra comes from a family of film producers and cinematographers. While Namit's father, Naresh Malhotra, was a producer, his grandfather, M. N. Malhotra, was a cinematographer. Namit completed his education in computer graphics and then started his own company called Video Workshop. His co-founders were his teachers from college. Interestingly, the editing studio they created was based out of his father's garage. The company worked on shows like Boogie Woogie, Gaatha, and also provided post-production facilities for Channel V. In 1997, Namit decided to merge Video Workshop with his father's film production and rental business, creating Prime Focus. The company initially offered technological and creative services for television shows and films before expanding into film production with projects like The Hurricane Heist and later Brahmastra Part One. In 2014, Prime Focus merged with Double Negative, a UK-based VFX studio, to form DNEG. The company specializes in visual effects and has worked on films like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the two Dune films. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Namit shared his vision for Ramayana. He said, 'I'm keen to not just make India proud but excite the world about Indian storytelling and really celebrate global cinema together. It's not like we don't like Hollywood films. It's not like we don't see an Oppenheimer and have a great feeling, or a Forrest Gump, or any of these landmark films.' He further added, 'Their stories are universal. I believe this is universal, too. This is that opportunity that I believe I'm pretty fortunate to have received in my life, and I hope I can deliver.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Mumbai garage to 8 Oscar-winning empire: Meet Namit Malhotra, the producer of the most expensive Indian film, Ramayana. His education, career
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.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Who Is Namit Malhotra, The Brain Behind Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana?
Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana will be released worldwide: Part 1 on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 on Diwali 2027. When the teaser of Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana was finally released on Thursday, it left everyone super excited for the movie. The three-minute-long first glimpse of the Nitesh Tiwari directorial has been getting immense love from the audience and is getting praised for its brilliant VFX and music. However, do you know who is Namit Malhotra, the producer and the brain behind this movie? Let's find out: Who Is Namit Malhotra, The Brain Behind Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana? Namit Malhotra is an Indian film producer and visual‑effects pioneer. He is also the founder of Prime Focus – which is known for its visual effects, animation and production. Malhotra founded this company from his father's garage in Mumbai in the mid‑1990s. He later merged it with Video Workshop to revolutionise VFX in Bollywood. Namit also collaborated with London's Double Negative to form DNEG, where, as CEO, he led the company to win eight Oscars in Best Visual Effects for films like Inception (2011) and Dune: Part Two (2025), among others. Malhotra, now collaborating with Ranbir Kapoor and Yash on Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, is utilising his Oscar-winning artistic and technical expertise to bring this epic tale to life with state-of-the-art VFX on an unprecedented scale. What Did Namit Malhotra Say During The Ramayana Teaser Launch? Addressing the media in Mumbai, Namit Malhotra talked about the Ramayana movie and said, 'This is a cultural movement for every Indian around the world. With Ramayana, we're not just retelling history; we're introducing our legacy to the world. Bringing together the finest global talent allows us to tell this story with authenticity, emotion, and state-of-the-art cinematic innovation. We've seen Ramayana portrayed before — but this version reimagines its landscapes, creatures, and battles with the scale and splendour they deserve. As Indians, this is our truth. Now, it will be our gift to the world." Talking about the Ramayana teaser, it starts from the roots – the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who rule the world. With striking animation, the video then introduces characters from Ramayana – Lord Rama played by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Ramayana will be released worldwide: Part 1 on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 on Diwali 2027. First Published:
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra shares his journey from editing in a garage to winning 8 Oscars
Namit Malhotra, from a film lineage, is the producer behind the ambitious ₹835 crore Ramayana adaptation, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Despite a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, Malhotra's name takes precedence, highlighting his global film industry influence. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is Namit Malhotra, the Force Behind Ramayana? Malhotra's Vision for Ramayana Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Cast, Music & Release Plan Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is being touted as India's most ambitious film, backed by an estimated ₹835 crore budget and a star-studded lineup including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol. Despite the big names, the film's title card notably highlights producer Namit Malhotra, rather than the cast or even the director. While Malhotra may not be a household name in India, his influence in the global film industry is from a film lineage, Namit Malhotra is the son of producer Naresh Malhotra and the grandson of renowned cinematographer MN Malhotra. After studying computer graphics, he launched Video Workshop, a post-production company he co-founded with three of his teachers. The studio, originally set up in his father's garage, handled editing work for popular TV shows like Boogie Woogie and Gaatha, and later partnered with Channel 1997, Namit merged Video Workshop with his father's business to form Prime Focus , which initially focused on technical services for television and film. Prime Focus expanded into movie production, working on titles like The Hurricane Heist and Brahmastra Part One.A major turning point came in 2014, when Prime Focus merged with UK-based VFX giant Double Negative (DNEG). The merged entity has since delivered stunning visual effects for films like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the Dune series. Over the past decade, DNEG has won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects seven times, cementing its place in revealed in an interview with Hindustan Times that he began conceptualizing Ramayana for the big screen as early as 2015, though filming officially began in 2023. His vision goes far beyond just making a big-budget Indian movie.'I want to make India proud and inspire the world with Indian storytelling. Just as we're moved by films like Oppenheimer or Forrest Gump, I believe Ramayana has the same universal appeal. I'm fortunate to bring this story to life,' Namit will be released in two parts, with Part 1 expected during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following in Diwali 2027. The film features:Ranbir Kapoor as Lord RamSai Pallavi as SitaYash as RavanaSunny Deol as HanumanRavie Dubey as LaxmanaThe film's music is another high point, with a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, marking the latter's Bollywood debut.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra shares his journey from editing in a garage to winning 8 Oscars
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is Namit Malhotra, the Force Behind Ramayana? Malhotra's Vision for Ramayana Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in New Updates Cast, Music & Release Plan Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is being touted as India's most ambitious film, backed by an estimated ₹835 crore budget and a star-studded lineup including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol. Despite the big names, the film's title card notably highlights producer Namit Malhotra, rather than the cast or even the director. While Malhotra may not be a household name in India, his influence in the global film industry is from a film lineage, Namit Malhotra is the son of producer Naresh Malhotra and the grandson of renowned cinematographer MN Malhotra. After studying computer graphics, he launched Video Workshop, a post-production company he co-founded with three of his teachers. The studio, originally set up in his father's garage, handled editing work for popular TV shows like Boogie Woogie and Gaatha, and later partnered with Channel 1997, Namit merged Video Workshop with his father's business to form Prime Focus , which initially focused on technical services for television and film. Prime Focus expanded into movie production, working on titles like The Hurricane Heist and Brahmastra Part One.A major turning point came in 2014, when Prime Focus merged with UK-based VFX giant Double Negative (DNEG). The merged entity has since delivered stunning visual effects for films like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and the Dune series. Over the past decade, DNEG has won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects seven times, cementing its place in revealed in an interview with Hindustan Times that he began conceptualizing Ramayana for the big screen as early as 2015, though filming officially began in 2023. His vision goes far beyond just making a big-budget Indian movie.'I want to make India proud and inspire the world with Indian storytelling. Just as we're moved by films like Oppenheimer or Forrest Gump, I believe Ramayana has the same universal appeal. I'm fortunate to bring this story to life,' Namit will be released in two parts, with Part 1 expected during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following in Diwali 2027. The film features:Ranbir Kapoor as Lord RamSai Pallavi as SitaYash as RavanaSunny Deol as HanumanRavie Dubey as LaxmanaThe film's music is another high point, with a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, marking the latter's Bollywood debut.
