Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari believes that the Ramayana may have traveled far beyond India, potentially leaving its mark on one of the most celebrated epics of the Western world. Tiwari recently discussed the noticeable narrative parallels between The Odyssey and the ancient Indian scripture, raising the possibility that Homer incorporated elements from the Ramayana into his work.
The discussion centers around a nearly identical sequence involving a legendary bow. In the Western epic, Penelope challenges her suitors, declaring that whoever manages to string the bow of Odysseus will win her hand in marriage. When all other contenders fail, a disguised Odysseus steps forward and successfully completes the challenging task.
This sequence bears a striking resemblance to the swayamvar of Lord Rama in the Ramayana. In that ancient account, candidates gather for a chance to marry Sita, a goal that requires them to lift and string the celestial bow of Lord Shiva. While numerous kings and warriors fail, Rama effortlessly lifts the mighty weapon and ultimately snaps it while attempting to string it, securing his marriage to Sita.
During an interview with ScreenRant, Tiwari noted that because the Ramayana is the older epic, he feels Homer was likely inspired by it when writing those specific segments of The Odyssey. He expressed delight at seeing elements of India's foundational text echoed in a Western epic, noting that such cultural overlaps could help international audiences better connect with his own cinematic vision.
Pointing out that the events were documented in Indian texts thousands of years ago, Tiwari recalled thinking the moment was borrowed directly from the Ramayana upon watching the Western counterpart. While expressing admiration for both The Odyssey and its director, he noted that bringing the Ramayana to the screen carried a distinctly unique significance for him.
Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, the film Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, and officially hit theaters on November 5. The creative team has framed this ambitious two-part project as a cinematic presentation of history and truth tailored for global viewers.
That international strategy is already yielding financial momentum. The film has reportedly accumulated an estimated Rs 375.50 crore globally during its opening three-day run, which includes Rs 157.25 crore generated from overseas territories. Bolstered by strong weekend earnings, the feature continues to expand its footprint worldwide and introduce the traditional Indian epic to new demographics.