Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has expressed high expectations from Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic ‘Ramayana’, backing the director’s storytelling abilities and praising its cast, including Ranbir Kapoor. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026 on October 10, Ghai said that while artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies may transform filmmaking, compelling storytelling and human emotions will continue to determine a film’s impact. His daughter, Meghana Ghai Puri, also spoke about the challenges and responsibilities of carrying forward his legacy.
Subhash Ghai backs Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’
Speaking during a session titled AI, OTT and the New Rules of Storytelling, Ghai shared his expectations from ‘Ramayana’, which is being mounted on a large scale with filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari at the helm and Namit Malhotra as producer.“Content will always remain the king. We are expecting a lot from the upcoming Ramayana, because it is made by a good director and a good storyteller, despite the big budget and big-hearted people,” he said.The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast also includes Sunny Deol, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi and Kajal Aggarwal, among others. Planned as a two-part adaptation of the Indian epic, the first instalment is scheduled to release around Diwali 2026.Ghai also praised the craft of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, while singling out Anil Kapoor for his work ethic. He noted that the actor continues to work hard even after years in the industry.
Subhash Ghai on storytelling in the age of AI
For Ghai, the growing use of artificial intelligence does not diminish the importance of a strong story or the people responsible for bringing it to the screen. He argued that technology may evolve, but a filmmaker’s ability to communicate a story and its emotions will remain essential.“Whatever technology may come, it will always need a good director, a storyteller. That will always be there for 200 years,” he said.Explaining the relationship between writing and direction, Ghai said a writer tells a story through the pen, while a director communicates it through the camera.He cited the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as examples of stories that have endured across generations. From stage performances and Ramleela to cinema, television and technology-driven productions, the epics have continued to find new audiences without losing their central themes.“You will not turn Ram into Ravan in Ramayana. The story will remain the same, the emotions will remain the same. Those cannot change,” he said.Ghai also encouraged young filmmakers to learn about AI and understand how it could make filmmaking more accessible. He suggested that projects which once required budgets of Rs 100 crore could eventually be made for Rs 10 crore with the help of the technology, potentially lowering production costs and opening up opportunities for new voices.
Subhash Ghai’s filmmaking legacy and current work
One of Hindi cinema’s prominent filmmakers, Subhash Ghai is known for directing films such as ‘Karz’, ‘Hero’, ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Khalnayak’, ‘Pardes’ and ‘Taal’. His filmography is associated with large-scale storytelling, memorable music and enduring popular characters.Meanwhile, ‘Ramayana’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, is among the major projects on the horizon for Indian cinema, with its first part scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
