Namit Malhotra feels like ‘Sachin Tendulkar getting picked for World Cup on debut' while taking Ramayana global

Producer Namit Malhotra has described Ramayana’s world premiere in Los Angeles as an extraordinary moment for Indian filmmaking, comparing the experience to Sachin Tendulkar being selected for the World Cup on his debut.

The film was presented ahead of its release at the David Geffen Theatre within the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The venue is associated with screenings of films nominated for Oscars, adding significance to the occasion for the Indian production.

A rare opportunity for an Indian epic

Speaking to PTI, Malhotra said he felt “gratitude” at being able to produce Ramayana and present it to audiences around the world. He acknowledged the generations of filmmakers who have shaped India’s film industry, which has existed for more than a century.

Malhotra also said that no Indian filmmaker had previously made a Ramayana like this, describing the project as a unique responsibility and opportunity. “It’s like Sachin Tendulkar getting picked to play the World Cup on his debut,” he said.

Why the premiere matters

The Los Angeles screening gives Ramayana an international platform before its release. It also places the film within a venue known for showcasing Oscar-nominated cinema, making the premiere a notable event for the Indian film industry.

For Malhotra, the occasion represents both recognition of Indian filmmaking’s long history and the chance to introduce a new interpretation of the epic to a global audience.