‘Ramayana’
In a groundbreaking move for Indian cinema, Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the ‘Ramayana’ has officially become the most expensive Indian film ever made, with a staggering budget exceeding ₹4,000 crore (approximately $500 million).
This epic retelling of the revered Hindu mythological tale is being produced on a scale never before seen in the subcontinent, rivaling the grandeur of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
Producer Namit Malhotra, the driving force behind the project and CEO of Prime Focus Studios, revealed that the film’s expanded scale places it in the league of global cinematic giants. Initially rumored to be budgeted around ₹1,600 crore, the scope of Ramayana has dramatically grown into a VFX-driven cinematic spectacle designed for IMAX and other premium formats.
The film will also be the first Indian production to implement AI-based dubbing across regional languages for a seamless viewing experience, pushing the boundaries of innovation in Indian cinema.
Speaking on the film’s scale and ambition, Malhotra stated, “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.” Despite its massive budget, he emphasized that the production remains fiscally responsible when compared to similar Hollywood films.
The film will be released in two parts — the first hitting screens in Diwali 2026, and the second in Diwali 2027. The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravan, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, along with Ravi Dubey, Lara Dutta, Vikrant Massey, and Arun Govil in pivotal roles.
Ramayana will also feature a powerful musical score co-composed by Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The first motion poster, recently unveiled, offered fans a glimpse of the visually rich universe, igniting massive anticipation.
Malhotra concluded by saying, “This film is a tribute to India’s cultural legacy. It’s about telling our foundational story with the pride and scale it truly deserves.”
