‘Ramayana’: Namit Malhotra Hints at Possibility of Part 3, Ranbir Kapoor Says He Has Completed Filming Half of Part 2

The story of “Ramayana” could potentially extend beyond two films. Producer Namit Malhotra has opened up about the possibility of a third instalment of the upcoming mythological epic. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama in the Nitesh Tiwari directorial, has confirmed that he has already completed 50 percent of the second instalment.

Speaking about the possibility of expanding the franchise, Malhotra revealed that the makers initially considered telling the story across three parts before eventually settling on a two-part format. However, the possibility of revisiting that decision has not been ruled out. “When we started out, we thought we'd make it in three [parts]. Then we decided to make it in two [parts]. We are still in the middle of filming. So, I am not going to give any spoilers for anything. But once we get all the response and all the feedback - the way part 1 comes through, then I feel like we may sit back on a table and see if there is anything we want to add or subtract, depending on how the world has received it,” he said.

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Malhotra also revealed that the team currently has two different versions of the first film, with different runtimes. “While we say that, we have two different versions of the same film. We have two different runtimes on part 1 itself. Depending on which way the next round of feedback goes, I’d love to not have to make two different versions. I’m sure Nitesh (Tiwari) would also prefer that. We would want to stick to one version for the world,” he added.

When asked about "Lord of the Rings" having an extended version, the producer said, “Those came later. We can also do that. We have enough material to warrant a separate version. But we have got two different runtimes within the same master version. Those are the kinds of things we are trying to assess, depending on how audiences really consume this.

Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor offered an update on the progress of the sequel. The actor revealed, “I have finished 50 percent of part 2 already.”

For now, “Ramayana” is being developed as a two-part saga, with the possibility of a third instalment dependent on how the first film is received. The project stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with Nitesh Tiwari directing and Namit Malhotra producing.