Makers officially announce Nitesh Tiwari-directed ‘Ramayana’, film to release in two parts

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

In recent years, the Indian film industry has witnessed an extraordinary surge in mythological and historical narratives, with filmmakers exploring the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage. Among these, the announcement of Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana adaptation has sent waves of excitement and anticipation throughout the nation. In a move that promises to redefine the genre of epic storytelling in Indian cinema, the makers have officially confirmed that Tiwari’s Ramayana will be a two-part film, marking a groundbreaking moment in the history of Indian cinema. The announcement of a Ramayana film directed by Nitesh Tiwari has been met with widespread enthusiasm, not only for the grandeur and spectacle such a project promises but also for Tiwari’s established expertise in weaving compelling narratives. Known for his previous works like Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019), both of which became major box-office successes, Tiwari has built a reputation for telling stories that are rooted in human emotions, triumph, and the complexities of personal and collective growth. With the Ramayana, Tiwari has the immense responsibility of translating one of the greatest epics of Hindu mythology into a modern cinematic language while staying true to its spiritual and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the profound implications of this project, examining the historical and cultural importance of the Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s vision for the film, the decision to release the film in two parts, and the impact this will have on Indian cinema and global audiences. The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki, is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, alongside the Mahabharata. It narrates the story of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, who has abducted her. Along the way, Rama’s journey is marked by trials, alliances, and moral dilemmas that transcend time, making it a foundational narrative in Hindu philosophy. The Ramayana is not just a story of heroism and adventure; it encapsulates ideals of dharma (righteousness), devotion, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. It has shaped the religious and cultural fabric of not only India but also several other countries in Southeast Asia, with versions of the Ramayana appearing in different languages, regions, and traditions. The epic has found expression in various forms of art, including dance, theatre, television, and, more recently, cinema. However, despite numerous adaptations over the years, none have captured the grandeur of the narrative in its full cinematic potential. The decision to adapt the Ramayana for the big screen, especially under a director like Nitesh Tiwari, signals an attempt to bring this ancient tale to modern audiences while respecting its cultural and spiritual roots. Nitesh Tiwari is a filmmaker whose approach to storytelling has always been marked by a deep sensitivity to human emotions and character development. His breakout film Dangal (2016), which chronicled the true story of Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, was lauded for its nuanced portrayal of familial bonds and the empowerment of women in a traditional society. Tiwari’s ability to draw relatable, human-centric narratives from larger-than-life stories was key to Dangal’s global success, making him the ideal candidate to helm a project as monumental as the Ramayana. Tiwari’s previous work, particularly his exploration of societal norms and individual struggles, is likely to influence his approach to the Ramayana adaptation. While the epic itself is steeped in divinity and myth, its characters are also profoundly human in their dilemmas. Lord Rama’s inner struggles, Sita’s devotion and resilience, and Ravana’s tragic downfall, all offer rich emotional arcs that Tiwari can weave into his cinematic storytelling. It is expected that Tiwari will explore these emotions in depth, focusing not only on the battle between good and evil but also on the complexities of personal duty, sacrifice, and righteousness that are central themes of the original text.

Moreover, Tiwari is known for his ability to blend commercial appeal with serious thematic exploration. Given the high stakes of the Ramayana project, it is anticipated that his adaptation will balance the mythological grandeur and spectacle with the emotional depth of its characters, ensuring that the film resonates with audiences across different demographics—whether they are familiar with the epic or experiencing it for the first time. The decision to release the Ramayana in two parts is a significant one, and it speaks volumes about the scope and complexity of the project. The Ramayana is not a story that can be told in a single movie without sacrificing its depth, emotional beats, and thematic intricacies. The narrative is vast, spanning the birth of Lord Rama, his exile, the kidnapping of Sita, his alliances with characters like Hanuman and Sugriva, the battle with Ravana, and the eventual return to Ayodhya. Each of these stages is rich with subplots, philosophical underpinnings, and moral lessons. By splitting the film into two parts, the makers can give the story the time it needs to unfold naturally without rushing through crucial moments. The first part will likely focus on the formative events of Lord Rama’s life, his exile to the forest, the kidnapping of Sita, and his alliances with key characters. The second part, in turn, will likely center on the climax of the story—Rama’s battle against Ravana, the rescue of Sita, and his eventual return to his kingdom. This decision also allows the filmmakers to explore the grandeur of the battle sequences, the intricacies of the characters’ relationships, and the spiritual undertones in a way that would have been difficult to achieve in a single film. Additionally, the two-part format creates opportunities for deeper character development, especially for pivotal figures like Ravana, Hanuman, and Sita, whose individual arcs can be fleshed out more extensively. From a business perspective, releasing the film in two parts also ensures that the narrative is not rushed or truncated, while simultaneously maximizing the commercial potential of the project. The release of a second part also keeps audiences engaged.