Sony Pictures has signed on as international distributor for “Ramayana,” the two-part Indian mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra‘s Prime Focus Studios, covering all territories outside India.
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Indian distribution will be handled by media personality Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
The story follows the exiled prince Rama and his wife Sita, whose abduction by the demon king Ravana sets in motion an epic war between the forces of righteousness and evil.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Designed for audiences across cultures, it will be released in multiple languages, including an English-language version.
Score duties fall to Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The production also features action choreography by Terry Notary and Guy Norris, and production design by Ramsey Avery and Ravi Bansal.
Visual effects are being delivered by DNEG – the eight-time Academy Award-winning studio also led by Malhotra – whose credits include the “Dune” trilogy, “Blade Runner 2049,” “Interstellar,” “Inception” and “The Odyssey.”
Prime Focus Studios previously co-produced “The Garfield Movie” with Alcon Entertainment for Sony Pictures, a title that has taken in more than $257 million worldwide.
“For generations, the ‘Ramayana’ has inspired people through its timeless humanity and enduring values. Our ambition has always been to honor that legacy while creating a cinematic experience worthy of audiences everywhere. Through DNEG, we have spent decades helping filmmakers realize some of the world’s most ambitious cinematic visions. With Prime Focus Studios, we are now bringing that same commitment to storytelling to one of the world’s greatest epics. Collaborating with Sony Pictures gives ‘Ramayana’ an extraordinary opportunity to connect with international audiences and introduce this timeless story to moviegoers around the world,” Malhotra said.
The film is due to release in November, during the Diwali holiday frame.
Prime Focus Studios is also currently in production on “Animal Friends,” a live-action/animation hybrid with Legendary Entertainment and Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort production company, and “The Angry Birds Movie 3” for Paramount Pictures.
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