Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has inaugurated Prime One, the first phase of producer Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, at Film City in Mumbai. The new campus will serve as the global headquarters for Prime Focus, bringing creative and technology teams together under one roof.
The event drew attention not just for the studio launch, but for Fadnavis's strong words about an upcoming Indian film. He spoke about Ramayana, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, and made his expectations clear.
CM Fadnavis backs Ramayana for international recognition
Speaking at the inauguration, Fadnavis shared his hopes for the film. According to Bollywood Hungama, he said, "I will be disappointed if the Academy Award doesn't come to Ramayana."
"I will be disappointed if the Academy Award doesn't come to Ramayana." — Devendra Fadnavis, via Bollywood Hungama
The comment signals strong state-level support for the film, which is one of the most anticipated Indian productions in recent times. Fadnavis's statement places Ramayana in the conversation for global awards even before its release.
Prime One campus and the WAVES Summit connection
The inauguration of Prime One follows an earlier announcement made during the WAVES Summit. At that event, Prime Focus and the Government of Maharashtra jointly revealed plans to develop a global entertainment ecosystem at the heart of India's filmmaking industry in Mumbai, as reported by Bollywood Hungama.
The new campus is designed as a purpose-built ecosystem. It brings together creative teams and technology teams in a single location, which is meant to improve collaboration and speed up production work.
For the film industry, this move strengthens Mumbai's position as a hub for both filmmaking and visual effects work. Prime Focus is known for its work in the global visual effects space, and having a dedicated headquarters in Film City could attract more international projects to India.
What this means for Indian cinema
The combination of a new production hub and the CM's public backing of Ramayana sends a clear message. The state government is treating cinema as a serious economic and cultural driver, not just entertainment.
Fadnavis's Academy Award comment is notable because it sets a high bar. It also puts pressure on the team behind Ramayana to deliver at a global standard. The film already has a strong cast, and the expectations are now even higher.
Our Take: High expectations, bigger responsibility
In our view, Fadnavis's statement is more than just praise for a film. It is a signal that Maharashtra wants to be seen as a serious player in global entertainment. By backing Prime One and Ramayana in the same breath, the CM is linking infrastructure growth with creative ambition.
That said, Academy Awards are never guaranteed. Many great films do not win, and many deserving ones are overlooked. The comment raises expectations, but the real test will be the film's quality and its reception with audiences and voters.
For now, the focus is on what Prime One can do for the industry. If the campus helps Indian studios produce world-class work consistently, awards may follow naturally. The infrastructure is in place. The ambition is clear. The rest depends on execution.
Readers should watch this space closely. The combination of state support, a major production facility, and a high-profile film could reshape how Indian cinema is perceived on the global stage.
