Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Budget Blasts Past Superman, Wakanda Forever At Rs 4,000 Cr

As the first glimpse of 'Ramayana: Part One', directed by Nitesh Tiwari, continues to spark waves of excitement online, all eyes are now on the staggering scale of the epic reimagining. With Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravan, the mythological saga has not only captured fan curiosity but also reignited conversations around Indian storytelling on a global scale.

Behind the ambitious vision is producer Namit Malhotra — the founder and non-executive director of Prime Focus Limited, a powerhouse in visual effects and post-production. In a recent conversation with Prakhar Gupta, Namit opened up about the scale of the project, its financials, and the deeply personal drive behind bringing Ramayana to life.

Ramayana's budget is Rs 4,000 crore

Reflecting on the project’s origins, Namit revealed that the idea had been in motion for nearly seven years, but took off seriously in the post-pandemic phase. “So, when we set out to make it, six, seven years ago, just after the pandemic, when we started to really get serious about mounting it and producing it, and budget-wise, it was like everybody thought I’m a lunatic. Because no Indian film, by a long distance, comes close to it. So, to put it simply, it’ll be about $500 million by the time we’re done, on both films put together, part one and part two, which is over Rs 4,000 crore.”

Despite the jaw-dropping numbers, Namit remains clear-eyed about the purpose. He sees this as more than just an expensive spectacle — it’s a cultural milestone. “So, I say it like this: we’re making the largest film in the world for the greatest story, the greatest epic, that the world should see. And I still think it’s cheaper than what it cost to make some of the biggest Hollywood films. So I think we’re making a bigger film at a lower cost. Because that Indian in me still believes that we’re not being irresponsible financially. We’re not being irresponsible with money.”

Taking Indian culture to the global stage

Namit says he’s unfazed by the perception that he’s taking a financial risk. For him, Ramayana is an opportunity to celebrate India's roots and share them with a wider audience.

“I’m taking the greatest belief system of our country. We’re taking something that we have pride in. It’s a foundational piece of our culture. And I’m going to mount it and present it in the grandest form possible. And it’s going to cost whatever it costs. Why is that a risk? When I think about Ramayana, I’m like, is it really a risk? All I’m doing is, I have to just make sure we do justice to people’s expectations, and beyond. There has to be pride that must come through, in every Indian first, and then every other person in the world, to say: that’s a great piece of culture. I genuinely think the relevance of Ramayana today in the world, not just India, is massive. Look at the wars in the West. Look at the way the countries are operating. I’ve lived in America. I’ve lived in the UK. I’ve hesitated to send my kids abroad to study.”

For the producer, this isn’t just about cinema - it’s about reaffirming his faith in India’s values and cultural heritage, especially in contrast to what he describes as a shifting Western landscape.

“My kids are growing up in Mumbai today. They’re going to Indian schools. I want them to study in India. Not because I don’t believe in the Western education system, but because I genuinely have greater faith and confidence in India today. And I’m making those decisions. And I’m making that commitment. So I’m like, there’s something we’re doing right. The West has sort of lost its way a little bit. And nothing like our culture to really help give that grounding and anchor. We’re not trying to provide sermons to the world. But what we’re saying is: Hey, we’ve learned a lot from you. Take something from us.”

About Ramayana

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the epic will be presented in two parts - with Part One scheduled to release during Diwali 2026, followed by Part Two in Diwali 2027.

In addition to Ranbir and Yash, the cast features Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol portraying Hanuman.

Interestingly, the production budget for Ramayana eclipses several big-ticket Hollywood titles — surpassing the likes of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and even Superman reboot and Jurassic World Rebirth.

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