Ramayana may get a third part, producer Namit Malhotra says

Producer Namit Malhotra has said a third instalment of the mythological saga Ramayana could still happen. He made the remarks at the film's recent Los Angeles premiere. He said no decision has been taken, and that audience response will help decide what comes next.

Malhotra said the project was first planned as a trilogy. The makers later decided to tell the story in two films. He said filming is still under way, so he would not reveal plot details. He said the team may revisit the plan once viewers respond, adding or removing material depending on how the film is received.

He also described a practical problem. The makers currently have two versions of Part 1, each with a different runtime. Malhotra said he would prefer to release a single version worldwide. He said the director, Nitesh Tiwari, would likely prefer that too. Whether the team goes with one cut or an extended version will depend on the next round of feedback.

Earlier plans and the cast

Earlier, at a pre-release event in Hyderabad, the makers said a few characters from Ramayana would get their own spin-off films. Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash lead the cast. Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman are composing the music. One report put the budget at Rs 2,000 crore for a single part, though the makers have not confirmed that figure.

Audiences have also asked whether the next film will follow Lava and Kusa, the sons of Rama and Sita in the epic, or move beyond them. No details on that have been announced. Malhotra's remarks so far are the only public comment on a possible third part, and the makers have not released a date for any new instalment.