‘Don’t divide... this is one Ramayana’: Namit Malhotra addresses New York vs India teaser launch debate around Ranbir Kapoor's film

The launch of Ramayana in New York instead of India has sparked debate among fans, but producer Namit Malhotra has now responded, urging audiences to avoid drawing comparisons.Addressing the discussion around hosting the teaser launch overseas, Malhotra told the media, “Don’t divide. This is not the time to be divisive.”He added, “The Indian in the America are thanking and appreciating (us for having an event in the US), you need to understand the emotion of the Indian people over there.”Highlighting the film’s global intent, he further said, “There are Indians all over the world. We should not be divisive; that’s where we go wrong on Ramayana. There’s no division, it’s one world, one Ramayana and one Rama.”Director Nitesh Tiwari also addressed why India did not host the first big event. “I’ll pass on the message (to the producer),” he said, reacting to fan expectations.Explaining the strategy, he added, “For India, you need a special occasion.”Talking about the responsibility of adapting Ramayana, Tiwari acknowledged its emotional significance. “You understand the sensitivity and attachment (for Ramayana), you keep those things in mind,” he said.“We’ve taken care in portraying Lord Rama. It's very authentic is what I feel,” he added, referring to Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal.When asked if Ranbir was always the first choice, Tiwari replied, “Yes.”Malhotra reiterated that the vision goes beyond domestic audiences. “The idea is to show it to the entire world. How do we bring awareness? Every Indian knows it (about Ramayana),” he said.He further added, “We want to take Ramayana to the world. In 100-plus years of films, we’ve never made a mark in the West.”“It’s not that our films are any less; we make outstanding films,” he emphasised. On balancing promotions during production, Malhotra said, “I want to make sure that everybody should know about Ramayana.”“It’s harder for us in the middle of the shoot to stop work and go and meet people and spread awareness; we are not selling tickets,” he added. He also responded to fans questioning the absence of a Hanuman reveal on Hanuman Jayanti. “We will show you the entire Ramayana if it was ready,” he said.“People told us on Ram Navami that we should do it. We never announced that we are coming on Ram Navami. I respect your sentiment. Keep some patience, we will bring out (other things too).”The teaser of Ramayana introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, alongside Sai Pallavi and Yash. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is mounted as a two-part epic, with the first instalment slated for a Diwali release.