In a major revelation, producer Namit Malhotra has confirmed that director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic *Ramayana* will be made with a record-breaking budget of ₹4,000 crore. The announcement has put an end to widespread speculation regarding the film’s scale and funding, sparking significant buzz across the film industry.
Speaking in a recent interview, Malhotra stated that the project is being self-funded and has been in development for the past seven years. “We began work on this before the pandemic, and after COVID, when we resumed, many thought it was an unrealistic dream. But we are committed to bringing the epic to life on a global scale. No Indian film has attempted something of this magnitude,” he said.
The producer emphasized that *Ramayana* is being designed as a two-part saga, with the first installment slated for release during Diwali 2026 and the second in Diwali 2027. He added that while the film’s scale is grand, it remains economical when compared to major Hollywood productions. “Generations may come and go, but the Ramayana remains a timeless legacy. This film is our effort to showcase India’s cultural wealth to the world,” he added.
The film features an ensemble cast, with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash portraying Ravana. Sunny Deol will play Hanuman, while Lara Dutta and Rakul Preet Singh are reported to be cast as Kaikeyi and Surpanakha, respectively.
Earlier reports speculated various budget estimates ranging from ₹835 crore to ₹1,600 crore. However, Malhotra’s confirmation of the ₹4,000 crore budget officially establishes *Ramayana* as the most expensive Indian film ever undertaken.