Hans Zimmer effect? AR Rahman says his name will make non-Indians watch Ramayana
Composer AR Rahman said Hans Zimmer's presence in Ramayana will draw viewers outside India to the film. His remarks place the music collaboration at the centre of the project's global pitch.
AR Rahman said Hans Zimmer’s name alone will draw non-Indian audiences to Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, as the two Oscar-winning composers come together for the film’s soundtrack. Speaking about the collaboration, Rahman called it ‘epic’ and said Zimmer’s presence would make many non-Indians curious about what he has done in an Indian film.
Rahman also described Ramayana as one of the biggest films of his career and said the project stands out not just for its story, but also for its scale and technology.
Working with Hans Zimmer
In an interview with journalist Faridoon Shahryar, Rahman said, "I think it’s an epic collaboration. That too, to do a film which is our own, from our country and culture. Bringing him [is] almost like an ambassador to the world, to non-Indians. His name is going to make many people watch the movie definitely. At least a certain section is going to watch what has Hans Zimmer done in an Indian movie."
Rahman also spoke about Zimmer’s standing as an artist and said working with him had been a great honour. "He has also worn many hats. He is a true artiste who thinks so differently than other people. He set a standard while inspiring generations. To work with him is definitely a great honour. One of India’s greatest movies," he said.
Rahman on the scale of Ramayana
Rahman called the film one of the biggest projects of his career. Recalling watching the trailer in 3D, he said the story already holds deep respect, but what stood out to him was the technology. He described the 3D experience, along with the music and sound, as incredible and added that he had never seen anything like it from India or anywhere else in the world as a piece of art. "It’s so incredible on 3D, the music and sound," he expressed.
The film is being produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The makers have positioned it as a large-scale mythological project rooted in Indian culture. Earlier, producer Namit Malhotra had said the combined budget for both parts would exceed $500 million, or more than Rs 4,000 crore.
Director speaks about responsibility
Director Nitesh Tiwari had earlier said he felt ‘intimidated, challenged and inspired’ when he was first offered the film. He said adapting the Ramayana came with ‘a considerable moral obligation’. Malhotra, in a birthday note to the director, praised Tiwari’s clarity and grace, and said he was confident about taking ‘the greatest story of our country’ to audiences across the world.
The two-part film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Part 1 is set for Diwali 2026, with Part 2 to follow in Diwali 2027.