Namit Malhotra Rejects OTT Deal
Namit Malhotra is playing hardball. Sources say his ambitious two-part ‘Ramayana,’ directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, has a Rs 1,000 crore OTT price tag. He recently turned down a Rs 700 crore offer for the Ranbir Kapoor starrer. This is a serious play. Two installments. Diwali 2026, then 2027. Big ensemble cast. Hans Zimmer. A.R. Rahman. This isn’t your average Bollywood production.
The Big Picture
This is about more than just one film. It’s about validation for Indian IP on a global scale. For years, Hollywood has monetized its epics. Think ‘Lord of the Rings,’ Marvel. Now, Indian producers are demanding similar valuations for their own rich storytelling. Malhotra’s stance signals a shift. Producers are no longer willing to accept lowball offers for projects with proven, universal appeal. The Rs 700 crore rejection isn’t just a negotiation tactic; it’s a statement. It says ‘Ramayana’ is on par with global tentpoles. It’s about setting a precedent for future Indian productions eyeing international streaming giants. The success of films like Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar 2’ at the box office, even with its impressive jumps, shows the appetite for big-scale Indian entertainment. This ‘Ramayana’ deal could redefine how these massive projects are financed and distributed, especially with the growing power of the OTT market. It’s a gamble, sure, but one with potentially massive returns if they stick the landing.
