Ayan Mukerji in Talks with Namit Malhotra to Bring ‘Ramayana’ Producer Aboard for ‘Brahmastra 2’: Report

As the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster Brahmastra continues to take shape, director Ayan Mukerji is reportedly scouting for a new strategic partner to anchor the project. According to recent industry reports, the filmmaker is currently in advanced discussions with Namit Malhotra, the head of Prime Focus and producer of the upcoming Ramayana adaptation, to join Brahmastra 2 as a studio partner.

A New Direction for the Astraverse

The search for a collaborator follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations with several industry giants, including Jio Studios, Dharma Productions, and Yash Raj Films. While the first installment of the franchise was a collaboration involving Star Studios, the landscape for the sequel has shifted.

Currently, Ayan Mukerji’s own production banner, Starlight Pictures Private Limited—which holds the intellectual property rights to the franchise—is spearheading the development of the sequel. As they prepare for the next chapter of this VFX-heavy trilogy, securing a studio partner with technical prowess has become a top priority.

Why Namit Malhotra is a Strategic Fit

Industry insiders suggest that a partnership with Namit Malhotra would be a “natural fit” for the franchise. Prime Focus played a crucial role as one of the producers for the 2022 original, and their global reputation for cutting-edge visual effects makes them uniquely qualified to handle the demands of Mukerji’s ambitious vision.

With Prime Focus having significantly expanded its VFX capabilities through the high-profile production of the upcoming Ramayana, their potential involvement offers a clear synergy. Given that the Brahmastra saga is fundamentally built on complex CGI and world-building, bringing an expert in the field on board could streamline production logistics. However, sources emphasize that while discussions are in an advanced stage, no official contract has been signed yet.

The Changing Landscape of the Sequel

The hunt for a partner comes shortly after reports surfaced that Jio Studios had officially stepped away from the project. There had been significant speculation that Jio might come on board, especially given that the entertainment business of Star Studios is now integrated into the larger JioStar ecosystem. However, it has since been clarified that neither Jio Studios nor Star Studios will be involved in the second part of the trilogy.

As pre-production continues, fans are eager to see how the story evolves. While Ayan Mukerji is firmly back in the director’s chair, the cast list is also seeing shifts. Recent reports indicate that Deepika Padukone will not be returning for the sequel, while Alia Bhatt is expected to reprise her role in a more condensed capacity.

As the Brahmastra 2 project moves toward finalization, the industry remains watchful of whether this collaboration with Prime Focus will be the key to bringing the next chapter of the Astraverse to life.