Ramayana’s OTT home is now official. JioHotstar and Prime Focus Studios have joined hands to bring Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana: Part One to the platform after its theatrical run. And there’s a twist. The film won’t be part of the regular subscription. It will be available through a first-of-its-kind pay-per-view offering.
How It Will Work
Ramayana releases worldwide in theatres on November 5, including in IMAX 3D. After an exclusive theatrical window, audiences in India will be able to watch it on JioHotstar by buying it separately through a dedicated on-demand purchase option.How It Will Work
So even JioHotstar subscribers will need to pay extra to watch the film.
The makers haven’t announced yet how long the theatrical window will be, or what the pay-per-view price will be.
A First for JioHotstar
This is a new model for JioHotstar. Indian films usually land on OTT as part of the regular subscription. A dedicated pay-per-view release for a film of this scale is a big experiment, and many in the industry will be watching closely to see how it works.
“Ramayana Belongs to Every Indian”
Producer Namit Malhotra explained why he chose this route.
“I believe Ramayana should be experienced on the biggest screen possible, in IMAX 3D. But our country’s cinema infrastructure cannot reach everyone who holds this epic close,” he said. “Ramayana belongs to every Indian, and our ambition must reflect that.”
He added that JioHotstar was a natural partner to “take Ramayana into people’s hands and living rooms, after its theatrical run.”
Nita Ambani on the Partnership
JioStar Chairperson Nita M. Ambani called Ramayana “one of India’s greatest civilisational treasures.”
“It is our privilege to present this grand cinematic vision of Ramayana to families across the country, and introduce a new generation to its eternal values of duty, love, courage, and goodness,” she said.
Theatres First
The message from the makers is clear. Ramayana is meant to be seen on the big screen first. The OTT release is for audiences who can’t reach a theatre, especially in parts of India with few screens.
The Big Release Is Near
Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has received a U certificate with a runtime of 3 hours 15 minutes. It holds its world premiere in Los Angeles on October 27 and releases worldwide on November 5.
