With the release Nitesh TiwariofRamayana: Part 1′ With Diwali getting closer, its manufacturer has locked in a major distribution deal in the Indian market. Co-producers Namit Malhotra’s DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations have teamed up with Karan JoharDharma Productions, will distribute this mythological epic across India. The budget of this ambitious two-part saga is reportedly as high as Rs 4,000 crore.Karan Johar’s production company has steadily built a track record of handling massive pan-India releases, with Baahubali being one example. The banner has also seen significant financial growth after Adar Poonawalla’s Serum Institute of India acquired 50 per cent stake in the company for Rs 1,000 crore. According to a new report in Variety India, Namit Malhotra screened a 30-minute cut of Ramayana for potential distributors before finalizing the deal. Negotiations with Dharma Productions reportedly started with a release price of around Rs 500 crore, before both parties agreed on a final figure of Rs 250 crore, giving Dharma exclusive distribution rights in India.Ramayana: Part 1 has been called “the most anticipated Indian film of the year” by IMDb and its cast includes Ranbir Kapoor As Rama, Sai Pallavi Sita and Yash play Ravana. The film also stars Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Vivek Oberoi Oberoi as Vidyutjiva, Rakul Preet Singh as Surapanakha, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Indira Krishnan as Kausalaya Kunal Kapoor Such as Indra etc.The film’s music has been composed by Academy Award winners AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who are collaborating on an Indian project for the first time. While the shooting of Ramayana: Part 1 has ended and is currently in the post-production stage, work on the second part has entered into the pre-production stage.Last month, exhibitor and trade analyst Vishek Chauhan had predicted that the two-part Ramayana could become the only Indian series to surpass the Rs 300-crore global box office record set by Aditya Dhar’s Ranveer Singh-starrer spy series “Dhurandhar” earlier this year.
