Producer Namit Malhotra spoke about his journey of bringing Ramayana to an international audience as the film held its Los Angeles premiere at the David Geffen Theater inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Addressing the gathering, Malhotra described the screening as a significant moment in his career and reflected on his journey from starting a post-production company to producing an ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic. He also introduced director Nitesh Tiwari and the film’s lead cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
“I wanted to host this evening at the Academy Theatre because this is my Oscar moment,” Malhotra said during his address.
Malhotra also spoke about his association with Los Angeles and his work in visual effects through DNEG. He noted that the company has won eight Academy Awards, including seven over the past 11 years, for its collaborations with filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve.
Reflecting on his beginnings, he said, “For a third generation film family background, garage startup kid at 19 with an Apple computer working with three of his teachers who are all of 21, Merzin, Prakash and Josefa, this is what dreams are made of and what better place to share this moment than the city of Angels, Los Angeles.”
Malhotra also recalled moving to Los Angeles in 2007 as part of his efforts to build a company that could connect Indian and international film industries. “In my pursuit of building a global company and connecting the east and the west I set foot in LA in 2007 and haven’t looked back since,” he said.
He further spoke about the financial difficulties he faced during the 2008 crisis and how the experience shaped his journey. “An immigrant who lost 90% of his wealth with the fun times in 2008 as I’m sure some of you may remember to bounce back today and being able to bring the biggest independent production in the world the Ramayana, I can’t even tell you what it feels like to stand here today,” he said.
During his address, Malhotra brought the film’s key collaborators on stage. He introduced Nitesh Tiwari as the director, Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. “As you all can see Ram without Sita does not work. So please welcome Sai Pallavi,” he said.
He then introduced Yash, who plays Ravana in the film, saying, “And the reason that you know this film happened or the conflict happened is because they have to fight Raavan, and that is the rocking star Yash.” Malhotra also acknowledged the contribution of international and Indian talent involved in the project, including composer Hans Zimmer and choreographer Terry Notary.
Speaking about the larger vision behind Ramayana, Malhotra said the film brought together talent from both India and the West. “I stand here to showcase the best of India and the best of the west working together to create a motion picture that means more to billions of people around the world than you all can imagine,” he said.
Producer Namit Malhotra spoke about his journey of bringing Ramayana to an international audience as the film held its Los Angeles premiere at the David Geffen Theater inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Addressing the gathering, Malhotra described the screening as a significant moment in his career and reflected on his journey from starting a post-production company to producing an ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic. He also introduced director Nitesh Tiwari and the film’s lead cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
“I wanted to host this evening at the Academy Theatre because this is my Oscar moment,” Malhotra said during his address.
Malhotra also spoke about his association with Los Angeles and his work in visual effects through DNEG. He noted that the company has won eight Academy Awards, including seven over the past 11 years, for its collaborations with filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve.
Reflecting on his beginnings, he said, “For a third generation film family background, garage startup kid at 19 with an Apple computer working with three of his teachers who are all of 21, Merzin, Prakash and Josefa, this is what dreams are made of and what better place to share this moment than the city of Angels, Los Angeles.”
Malhotra also recalled moving to Los Angeles in 2007 as part of his efforts to build a company that could connect Indian and international film industries. “In my pursuit of building a global company and connecting the east and the west I set foot in LA in 2007 and haven’t looked back since,” he said.
He further spoke about the financial difficulties he faced during the 2008 crisis and how the experience shaped his journey. “An immigrant who lost 90% of his wealth with the fun times in 2008 as I’m sure some of you may remember to bounce back today and being able to bring the biggest independent production in the world the Ramayana, I can’t even tell you what it feels like to stand here today,” he said.
During his address, Malhotra brought the film’s key collaborators on stage. He introduced Nitesh Tiwari as the director, Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. “As you all can see Ram without Sita does not work. So please welcome Sai Pallavi,” he said.
He then introduced Yash, who plays Ravana in the film, saying, “And the reason that you know this film happened or the conflict happened is because they have to fight Raavan, and that is the rocking star Yash.” Malhotra also acknowledged the contribution of international and Indian talent involved in the project, including composer Hans Zimmer and choreographer Terry Notary.
Speaking about the larger vision behind Ramayana, Malhotra said the film brought together talent from both India and the West. “I stand here to showcase the best of India and the best of the west working together to create a motion picture that means more to billions of people around the world than you all can imagine,” he said.