‘Ramayana’ Premieres Globally With A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer Score

Namit Malhotra, the CEO of visual effects company DNEG, oversaw the production of 'Ramayana Part 1,' which opened in theaters worldwide on November 5. The film marks the first time A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer have composed a score together for an Indian movie. T-Series serves as the music label, while Amazon Music acts as the streaming partner for the album.

Malhotra stated that the project moved forward once the necessary talent and technical resources were secured. He noted that the team felt a responsibility to honor the cultural weight of the story. The visual effects were handled by DNEG and its sister company ReDefine, while Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations produced the film.

Director Nitesh Tiwari, known for 'Dangal' and 'Chhichhore,' focused on intimate character dynamics rather than plot twists. He acknowledged that viewers already know the outcome of the epic. Tiwari argued that knowing the end result does not reduce the emotional impact of a scene. He aimed to make the relationships and decisions feel immediate and truthful to the audience.

The musical collaboration was a central element of the production plan. Malhotra said he wanted a sound that blended emotional familiarity with modern melodies. The orchestra recorded the score at AIR Studios in London. Malhotra described the process of watching Indian and Western musicians work together as an extraordinary experience that could carry the film's emotion to a global audience.

The first single, 'Jai Jai Ram,' was released on September 14 to align with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Malhotra reported that the song's reception was highly rewarding for the team. He called A.R. Rahman to share the news, noting that it was their first collaborative track. The producers planned each track's release window to build anticipation for the film's opening.

Amazon Music is leveraging the album to expand its presence in Indian film music, a genre that accounts for approximately 70% of streams in the country. The company has spent more than two years developing standalone album launches. For 'Ramayana,' Amazon Music hosted a live event at the Chennai Trade Centre on October 21, where Rahman performed with cast members Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash.

The platform also launched a short-form video series on Instagram and YouTube to decode the music with Rahman. A dedicated destination for the album was built on the service, including four playlists named after characters from the epic. Because Amazon Music operates in more than 50 countries, the songs were released simultaneously in India and abroad.

Bhushan Kumar of T-Series described the album as a vehicle to carry the legacy of the epic to international audiences. He emphasized the goal of honoring Indian roots while creating a distinct musical experience. Rishabh Gupta, general manager of Amazon Music India, stated that the partnership's success will be measured by long-term engagement rather than initial launch metrics. He hopes the songs will remain part of listeners' daily lives long after the film leaves theaters.