Nitesh Tiwari says he believes Homer was inspired by Ramayana for The Odyssey; Ranbir Kapoor calls bow-lifting scene coincidence

Nitesh Tiwari has said he believes the ancient Greek poet Homer may have been inspired by the Ramayana while writing parts of The Odyssey. Speaking to Screen Rant, the filmmaker pointed to similarities between the two epics and described the connection as a tribute to India’s foundational story.

A cross-cultural reading of two epics

Tiwari said the Ramayana is the oldest epic and suggested that some elements in Homer’s work may reflect its influence. He added that he had noticed equivalent themes and felt pleased that India’s “greatest epic” could be represented in another major work associated with the West.

His comments frame the comparison as a bridge between Indian and Western storytelling traditions. Rather than presenting the similarities as an incidental observation, Tiwari said they could help audiences in the West connect more easily with the material his team is trying to bring to them.

Why the comparison matters

The remarks place the Ramayana in a wider conversation about the reach and influence of epic literature. They also highlight how familiar story patterns can create links between cultures, even when the works come from different traditions.

Tiwari’s view remains his interpretation of the parallels between the two texts. The discussion nevertheless underscores the continuing relevance of both epics and the interest in examining their relationship across cultural boundaries.

Conclusion

By connecting Homer’s The Odyssey with the Ramayana, Tiwari has drawn attention to shared possibilities in ancient storytelling. His comments present the comparison as a source of cultural recognition and a way to make Indian epic traditions more accessible to Western audiences.