Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana' is the most expensive Indian film in history. The budget will blow your mind

The forthcoming cinematic adaptation of the epic Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, has quickly emerged as one of the most eagerly awaited films in the Indian film industry. Recently, the makers dropped an official announcement video, presenting a series of visually stunning glimpses from the project. The video’s striking scale and visual depth immediately drew significant attention online, amplifying the excitement of fans and further boosting anticipation for what promises to be a monumental cinematic experience.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the film is backed by an unprecedented production cost of Rs 1600 crore, making Ramayana the most expensive film series ever undertaken in Indian cinema. The opening part alone has a massive allocation of ₹900 crore, while the subsequent chapter is budgeted at Rs 700 crore. The reason behind this disparity, as disclosed by an insider, lies in the heavy investment required for creating the universe, characters, and elaborate settings in the first film. These foundational elements—once established—will continue into the sequel, allowing the second installment to concentrate primarily on the action sequences, reducing the need for further world-building expenses.

Ramayana is being developed as a joint venture between Namit Malhotra’s DNEG, Prime Focus Studios, and Yash’s production house, Monster Mind Creations. The creative team does not view the two parts as isolated projects with individual budgets but instead considers the Rs 1600 crore as a comprehensive investment for the entire saga. The producers aim to create a timeless cinematic epic that not only resonates with Indian audiences but also leaves a lasting impact globally. With such a colossal budget and vision, the project is poised to redefine standards in the Indian film industry.

To further enrich the film’s emotional depth and storytelling, musical legends Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman have come on board to compose the soundtrack and background score. Their collaboration is expected to add a unique and powerful sonic identity to the narrative. Simultaneously, discussions are underway with a major Hollywood studio to facilitate international distribution, ensuring that Ramayana reaches audiences across the world and not just in India.

The film also features an ensemble of celebrated actors. Ranbir Kapoor plays the divine role of Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi portrays Mata Sita. Sunny Deol will appear as Hanuman, and Yash will bring to life the complex character of Ravan. The cast also includes prominent names such as Kajal Aggarwal, Ravi Dubey, Arun Govil, and Lara Dutta in significant supporting roles.

The first part of Ramayana is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, with the second installment set to arrive a year later in Diwali 2027, promising audiences a visually grand and emotionally resonant retelling of one of India’s greatest epics.