BIG FM launches AI-led “BIG Ramayana” for Gen Z

The Editorial Team of Behind The Headlines reports that radio network BIG FM has launched “BIG Ramayana,” a rich new audio-video storytelling format that brings the epic Ramayana to Gen Z through AI-generated reels, podcasts and mini-dramas. This initiative — designed to reconnect younger audiences with a foundational myth through modern tech — stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Details / Background

BIG FM’s “BIG Ramayana” officially premiered on October 20, 2025. The series is narrated by actor Saurabh Raaj Jain and spans multiple platforms: short-form reels, radio audio drama, podcasts, RJ specials and trivia segments. The episodes air Monday to Friday at 8 a.m. with a repeat slot at 9 p.m., and they are available on Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Gaana.
While radio has traditionally drawn older listeners, BIG FM’s CEO Sunil Kumaran says the goal is to meet younger audiences where they are—with “deep rooted storytelling powered by creative, meaningful content” and “tech-driven experiences.”
In a media landscape flooded with viral short-clips, the initiative aims to reinterpret the Ramayana in “bite-sized” formats: audio under five minutes, video reels fitting mobile-first behaviour, quizzes and celebrity appearances. The network positions this as “India’s first industry-wide AI-driven storytelling experience” for Gen Z.

Analysis

Renewed relevance through digital format

The Ramayana is among India’s oldest and most narrated epics. Presenting it through AI-powered reels and podcasts makes it accessible to digital-native Gen Z audiences who consume stories in rapid, fragmented formats.

Fusion of tradition and innovation

By embracing AI and multi-platform formats, BIG FM is modernising mythic storytelling. The project suggests that even ancient narratives can retain power when adapted thoughtfully for mobile-first fragments.

Engagement beyond content

Listeners aren’t just passive consumers. The series invites them to interact—through trivia, social-media shorts, and RJ conversations—thus building a community around a mythic narrative, not just a broadcast.

Commercial and cultural impact

For BIG FM it means new ad-inventory formats, sponsorship opportunities and brand partnerships tied to heritage content. For culture, it signals that epics may find fresh life in digital ecosystems.

Reactions / Statements

BIG FM’s CMO Atul Razdan emphasised the network’s ambition: “We’ve always aimed to create formats that resonate with today’s audiences while remaining rooted in our core philosophy. With BIG Ramayana, we enable Gen Z to rediscover timeless stories in a format that truly connects.”
Industry observers view the launch as part of a broader shift: India’s mythic content is finding new vehicles via AI, digital audio and short-form video. They note potential criticisms around authenticity—how much faithfulness to source material remains when technology intercedes—but frame the experiment as worth watching.
Audience feedback on social media has been positive: users praise the “cool remix of a classic” and the “modern vibe” given to Rama-Sita-Hanuman stories for younger viewers.

Bigger Picture / Future Impact

The launch of BIG Ramayana offers a template for how heritage IP can be translated for younger demographics. As Gen Z consumes narratives in 15-60 second bursts, traditional stories must adapt—or risk being left behind.
If successful, we may see other radio networks, streaming services and brands launching AI-led epic-series or myth-remixes. This could open doors for advertisers and cultural custodians alike to co-create.
Moreover, as mythic content migrates into digital form, questions around authenticity, representation and cultural sensitivity will gain traction. BIG FM’s move may well prompt new standards for how epics are retold — with balance between creative innovation and respect for tradition.

Conclusion

With “BIG Ramayana,” BIG FM has charted an ambitious course: taking India’s most revered epic and repackaging it for a mobile-era audience through AI-aided creativity. For Gen Z, this is more than mythology—it’s a story told in formats they inhabit. For culture, it’s a signal that adaptation, not abandonment, is the future of heritage. Whether listeners tune in for Rama’s journey or the digital presentation matters less than the emerging truth: old stories can remain alive when tech and tradition embrace each other.

Internal Links

• Explore our previous story on how mythic storytelling meets digital media in India.
• Read our feature on Gen Z’s storytelling consumption habits and what brands must change.