One of the world's biggest digital creators has stepped into the promotional campaign for one of India's most ambitious upcoming films.
American YouTube creator Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, joined Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and other members of the Ramayana team at a special event in Mumbai on September 26.
The gathering brought MrBeast together with actors Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ravie Dubey, as well as director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra. The event was held at the DNEG/Prime Focus office in Mumbai. The Indian Express
What did MrBeast say about Ramayana?
MrBeast offered a positive first reaction after getting an opportunity to see material from the film.
Speaking at the event, he said:
“It was amazing getting to see part of the movie. I mean, it looks phenomenal.”
He also said he was “very, very grateful” to those hosting him and described his experience at the event as a lot of fun. The Indian Express
A day later, MrBeast shared a photograph featuring himself with members of the Ramayana team and wrote:
“Had a great time at the Ramayana red carpet :D”
The photograph included Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Namit Malhotra and Nitesh Tiwari. Moneycontrol
Ranbir Kapoor introduces MrBeast to the story of Lord Ram
The interaction went beyond a conventional film promotion.
Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram, explained aspects of the Ramayana and the cultural significance associated with the character to MrBeast.
During the conversation, Ranbir described the idea of dharma, or duty, while explaining Lord Ram's decision to sacrifice personal privilege to fulfil his father's promise. He told MrBeast that the film could provide an introduction to Indian culture and the story's historical and cultural importance. Bollywood Hungama
The exchange was particularly notable because MrBeast commands a huge international digital audience, giving the film's makers an opportunity to introduce the project to viewers who may have limited familiarity with the Ramayana.
‘Jai Shri Ram’ moment goes viral
One of the most widely shared moments from the Mumbai gathering occurred when people at the event called on MrBeast to say “Jai Shri Ram.”
MrBeast initially appeared unsure how to respond. Ranbir then helped him understand and repeat the phrase.
MrBeast said “Jai Shri Ram,” drawing cheers from those attending the event. Videos of the exchange subsequently circulated widely on social media. The Indian Express
Ranbir also explained the meaning and context of the expression to him, according to reports from the event. Hindustan Times
MrBeast and Namit Malhotra already share another Hollywood connection
The meeting also revealed an interesting connection between MrBeast and Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra.
During the event, Malhotra said the two were already connected professionally through The Angry Birds Movie 3.
Malhotra said his company is involved in producing the film while MrBeast is one of its voice actors. MrBeast responded that he had only learned that day that they were effectively working together on the project. Bollywood Hungama
The exchange added another international dimension to MrBeast's appearance with the Ramayana team.
Why MrBeast's appearance matters for Ramayana
MrBeast's involvement should be described carefully.
The verified reporting establishes that he participated in the Mumbai promotional event and interacted with the film's team. His appearance also fits with the filmmakers' stated ambition of introducing Ramayana to international audiences.
His participation does not, on the evidence currently available, mean that he has joined the film's cast.
What it does provide is substantial potential international visibility. Variety India reported ahead of the event that MrBeast's main YouTube channel had around 518 million subscribers as of September 25, illustrating the scale of the online audience associated with the creator.
That makes his presence an unusual crossover between India's mainstream film industry and the global creator economy.
Who plays whom in Ramayana?
Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita. Kannada star Yash plays Ravana, Ravie Dubey portrays Lakshman, and Sunny Deol plays Hanuman.
The production is backed by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations.
Another major element is its music: Academy Award-winning composers A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer are collaborating on the score.
When will Ramayana release?
The first part of Ramayana is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in November 2026, while the second instalment is planned for 2027.
With the first film approaching release, the Mumbai event indicates that its promotional campaign is increasingly looking beyond India's traditional film audience.
MrBeast's involvement is especially significant in that context—not because it changes the film itself, but because it connects a major Indian production with one of the world's largest digital audiences.
