Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' Becomes India's Most Expensive Film

Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming adaptation of the epic 'Ramayana' has officially become the most expensive film in Indian cinema's history, with a budget surpassing ₹4,000 crore, or approximately $500 million. This ambitious projection positions the film alongside some of the most substantial international movie productions.

Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the staggering budget, emphasising that the film is being developed in two segments. The project aims to be heavily reliant on visual effects technology, intending to deliver an extraordinary viewing experience in IMAX theatres. Unique to this production is the use of artificial intelligence for dubbing, enabling seamless adaptation into multiple regional languages, marking a significant innovation in Indian filmmaking.

Initially estimated to cost around ₹1,600 crore, the financial scale of 'Ramayana' has markedly increased as production plans expanded. Prime Focus, the studio co-founded by Namit Malhotra, is responsible for the film's visual effects, having previously worked on several high-profile international films.

Speaking about the production, 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." He further noted that the film's budget, while significant, remains economically viable when compared to similar high-budget blockbusters from Hollywood.

The film is set to be released in two parts, with the first part scheduled for Diwali in 2026 and the second part set for Diwali in 2027. The casting includes prominent Indian actors such as Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravan, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Additional supporting roles will feature Ravi Dubey, Lara Dutta, Vikrant Massey, and Arun Govil.

Namit Malhotra aims to highlight India's rich cultural heritage through this adaptation. He remarked, "We’re taking something that we have pride in — it’s a foundational piece of our culture — and presenting it in the grandest form possible. There has to be pride that must come through, in every Indian first, and then every other person in the world."

The recent unveiling of the film’s first motion poster showcased animated previews of the characters, generating excitement among fans. The film's original score is being composed by the renowned duo of Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, further heightening anticipation for the project.

With 'Ramayana', Nitesh Tiwari is set to elevate Indian cinema to new heights, merging traditional narratives with modern cinematic technology. Fans and experts alike await the film’s release, hopeful that it will redefine the boundaries of Indian filmmaking.