Nitesh Tiwari’s epic retelling of Ramayana has officially become India’s most expensive film ever, with an unprecedented budget of over ₹4,000 crore (nearly $500 million) spread across two parts. This staggering figure places the film among the costliest global productions, comparable to Hollywood’s biggest franchises.
A Monumental Cinematic Vision
Initially speculated to cost ₹1,600 crore, the scale of Ramayana has grown enormously. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the expanded budget and revealed that the project is being developed as a VFX-driven spectacle, tailored for IMAX screens and enhanced with AI-powered dubbing for seamless multilingual experiences — a first for Indian cinema.
The visual effects are being handled by Prime Focus, the renowned studio led by Malhotra, which has worked on international blockbusters including Dune and Avengers: Endgame.
“No Indian film, by a long distance, comes close to it… We’re making the largest film in the world for the greatest story, the greatest epic, that the world should see,” Malhotra stated, adding that the production remains cost-effective compared to similar Hollywood ventures.
Star-Studded Cast and Grand Release
The film boasts an ensemble cast:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravan
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey, Lara Dutta, Vikrant Massey, and Arun Govil in pivotal roles
Ramayana will release in two parts, scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027 respectively, positioning it as a cultural and cinematic event.
Honouring India’s Heritage
Calling the film a “foundational piece of our culture,” Malhotra emphasized that Ramayana is not just a visual spectacle but a tribute to Indian heritage.
“There has to be pride that must come through — in every Indian first, and then every other person in the world,” he said.
Musical Legacy in the Making
The motion poster launch, featuring stylized glimpses of Ranbir’s Ram and Yash’s Ravan, also unveiled a glimpse of the original score composed by Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman — a collaboration that has only intensified global anticipation.
With its unmatched scale, legendary source material, and global production values, Ramayana is shaping up to be not only a landmark for Indian cinema but a global cinematic event.
