Ramayana to have a Baahubali-type big screen presence

MUMBAI: The grand success of Baahubali has clearly made filmmakers take a note and go after mega-budget projects. In the latest development, film producers Allu Aravind, Namit Malhotra and Madhu Mantena joined hands to make the great Indian epic ‘Ramayana’ into a three-part film.

The live-action feature, to be shot in 3D, will be made in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. It is touted to be the nation's most ambitious project with an estimated budget of Rs 500 crore.

Aravind, noted Tollywood producer, best known for films like ‘Ghajini’ and ‘Magadheera’, said, “It's a huge responsibility but the ‘Ramayana’ needs to be told on the big screen in the most magnificent way possible. We are committed to delivering a spectacular extravaganza.”

The trio has been working on the script for over a year.

Malhotra’s Prime Focus, which has handled the stereo conversion and visual effects of high budget Hollywood franchise films like ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Star Wars’, ‘Transformers’, and ‘The Martian’, said, “Three generations of my family have been in the movies and we have a world-leading capability in bringing such stories to life. There cannot be a better time and opportunity to tell the greatest Indian story to the world in a way that preserves its respect and vision. The partnership with Allu sir and Madhu has aligned me with the best partners who share the same vision and passion, to make this a cinematic experience, all Indians can be proud of.”