Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 10: Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has expressed confidence in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana, saying the film has the right combination of a capable director, strong performers and an ambitious production team. He also emphasised that compelling storytelling would remain central to cinema despite the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026 on Saturday, Ghai said he had high expectations of the film, which features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, with Yash playing Ravana. Ghai attended the event with his daughter, Meghana Ghai Puri.
During a session titled ‘AI, OTT and the New Rules of Storytelling’, the filmmaker highlighted the importance of content and the people responsible for bringing stories to life.
“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.
Directed by Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. The first instalment is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026. The film also features Lara Dutta, Sunny Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and other actors in important roles.
Ghai also praised the acting abilities of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, while singling out Anil Kapoor for his dedication and work ethic. He said the actor continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment to his craft.
Discussing the impact of AI on filmmaking, Ghai said technological advancements might transform production methods but would not diminish the importance of a good director and storyteller.
“Whatever technology may come, it will always need a good director, a storyteller. That will always be there for 200 years,” he said, explaining that a writer communicates a story through the written word, while a director expresses it through the camera.
Referring to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Ghai noted that these epics had been retold across generations through stage performances, Ramleela, cinema and television. He said newer technologies would provide additional ways to present such stories without changing their fundamental emotions and meaning.
“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 familiarise themselves with AI, suggesting that the technology could significantly reduce production costs and make filmmaking more accessible. He proposed that films which once required budgets of Rs 100 crore might eventually be produced for around Rs 10 crore with the assistance of AI.
His daughter, Meghana Ghai Puri, who participated in the session, spoke about the challenges of carrying forward her father's vision and legacy in the film industry.
“Nothing great can be achieved without it being difficult or tough,” she said, recalling how her father's ambition to build something in Mumbai had initially appeared difficult to achieve.
Meghana described her father as a teacher at heart who had helped launch not only actors but also music directors and composers. She said continuing his work was both a privilege and a responsibility.
“I take it as my good fortune and as a responsibility that I shoulder on his behalf and on behalf of our industry,” she said.
Ghai is among Hindi cinema's best-known filmmakers, with popular films such as Karz, Hero, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Pardes and Taal to his credit. Known for his grand, music-driven cinematic style, he has also contributed to the development of emerging talent through his film school, Whistling Woods International.