India’s billionaire ranks continue to expand, with 57 new names added to the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2026, taking the country’s total number of billionaires to 308. Among this year’s notable entrants is filmmaker and visual effects entrepreneur Namit Malhotra, who rose from a simple editing setup in his father’s garage to leading one of the world’s most renowned VFX studios, which will now produce the much-awaited Ranbir Kapoor, Yash-starrer. RamayanaHas become a remarkable success story.
Hurun Global Rich List 2026: Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra joins India’s billionaire club, number of billionaires in the country reaches 308
Malhotra is the founder and CEO of DNEG, a global visual effects and animation company known for its work on multiple award-winning international films. Over the years, DNEG has earned multiple Academy Awards for its groundbreaking VFX contributions to Hollywood productions, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the global film industry.
Apart from his work in visual effects, Malhotra has also been actively involved in large-scale film production. He is currently backing one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema—Ramayana, a two-part cinematic retelling of the ancient epic. Directed by Nitish Tiwari, the film is set to be a grand mythological spectacle for both the Indian and global audiences. The first installment is expected to release during Diwali 2026, while the second part is planned to release in Diwali 2027.
The film features an impressive ensemble cast that brings together actors from across Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor will play the role of Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi will play the role of Sita. Yash, widely known for the KGF franchise, will be seen as Ravana, and Sunny Deol plays Hanuman. Actor Ravi Dubey has been cast in the role of Laxman.
What makes this project particularly remarkable is its scale. With a reported budget of around $100 million (roughly Rs. 835 crores) for the first installment alone, Ramayana It is being ranked as one of the most expensive films ever produced in India. The production also relied on cutting-edge technology, including advanced motion-capture techniques and large-scale visual effects.
Malhotra’s DNEG is overseeing the VFX work of the film, ensuring a world-class visual story. He has previously emphasized that the project was developed with a “reverence-first” approach, dedicating years of pre-production to respecting the cultural significance of the epic while presenting it with global cinematic standards.
With his entry into the Hurun Billionaires list and the growing anticipation around RamayanaNamit Malhotra’s influence in both technology and filmmaking continues to grow on the world stage.
