Director Namit Malhotra's film adaptation of Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, has been generating plenty of attention ever since its announcement earlier this year. The excitement around the film went up by a notch when it was announced that Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman would collaborate for its musical score. At a recent event promoting IMAX's global expansion plans, the company's Chief Content Officer Jonathan Fischer described Ramayana Part 1 as "the most anticipated Indian film next year". The film is set to have an IMAX release as well, as it hits theatres in Diwali next year.
Also part of IMAX's upcoming film slate is SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Fischer described the Baahubali and RRR director as "India's most commercially successful filmmaker." At the same time, he disclosed IMAX's plan to release Ramayana Part 2; the film's makers have slated it for a Diwali 2027 release in theatres.
The makers of Varanasi recently launched their film with a grand ceremony at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. Speaking of Hyderabad, it is interesting that the city is yet to have an IMAX theatre. IMAX is planning to expand its footprint across the world, including in India and Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, both Namit and Rajamouli are making Ramayana and Varanasi, respectively, for the IMAX experience as well.
