Ramayana Producer Namit Malhotra Rejects Rs 700 Crore OTT Deal, Holds Out For Bigger Streaming Price - DEETS

Namit Malhotra is taking a high-stakes bet on Ramayana, a two-part adaptation of the epic. The producer has reportedly turned down a record offer for digital and satellite rights. Instead, Namit Malhotra is waiting for what the team believes is fair value for the project.

The combined budget for both Ramayana films stands at around Rs. 4000 crores, placing heavy financial pressure on recovery. Yet Namit Malhotra is not rushing into long-term deals. The producer is said to be holding back rights, expecting stronger bids as awareness grows.

Ramayana OTT deal, rights strategy and Namit Malhotra plan

A source speaking to Bollywood Hungama detailed how major platforms have already approached the makers of Ramayana. According to the insider, the team views the film as a long-lasting property. The producer wants Ramayana to deliver value across generations, not just the opening week.

"Namit received an offer of Rs. 700 crores for both the films put together, which is the highest ever by a margin for an Indian Film. But he took no time to reject the offer. Given the mammoth cost of Rs. 4000 crore, Namit and his team feel that Ramayana deserves more as it's a legacy film that will speak to generations ahead. He is expecting Rs. 1000 crore deal from OTT players, leaving Rs. 3000 crores to be recovered from other sources, including global theatrical."

The source also claimed that interest in Ramayana is likely to climb as more material appears. "It's a film that gives all platforms a global reach. And Rs. 1000 crores for two films put together is a rather good price given the potential. He is holding the rights close to his chest and will partner with the right player at the right price. There's a possibility for him to sell just part one now, and hold back on part two till the release of part one, a strategy that team Dhurandhar opted for."

Ramayana financial details	Amount (Rs.)
Total budget for two films	4000 crores
Initial OTT and satellite offer rejected	700 crores
Expected OTT deal	1000 crores
Recovery needed from other avenues	3000 crores

Ramayana cast, teaser response and Indian cinema scale

Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, with Yash, Sai Pallavi and Sunny Deol also in key roles. The Diwali 2026 release date is locked. The teaser, dropped on Hanuman Jayanti, highlighted the film’s large canvas and heavy visual work, and drew mixed reactions from critics and audiences.

The teaser offers only a brief look at the world that Namit Malhotra and Prime Focus Studios are creating. Visuals hint at a scale rarely attempted in Indian cinema, with elaborate sets and extensive effects. As more footage arrives, industry observers expect clearer signals on box office potential and platform interest.

While expectations remain high, the financial model for Ramayana stays ambitious and risky. The producers are counting on a strong global theatrical run, supported by a substantial OTT agreement. How audiences respond to the first part on Diwali 2026 will be crucial for the second instalment and final recovery.