In a dramatic turn of events reflective of his star power, Bollywood’s celebrated actor Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly set a new personal benchmark in his acting fees, by demanding a staggering Rs 75 crore for his latest venture in the upcoming adaptation of the ‘Ramayana’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. This development follows after the actor, known for his recent performance in the film ‘Animal’, made a significant concession by halving his market rate for the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial, accepting a paycheck that ranged from Rs 30 to 35 crore – approximately 50 percent below his usual rate.
Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, an actress with a fast-growing fan base, are set to portray Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, respectively, in the much-anticipated film. While Kapoor’s fee is on the higher end of the spectrum, Sai Pallavi has also managed to secure a considerable sum, pocketing Rs 6 crore, which is notably twice her market rate that hovers between Rs 2.5 to 3 crore.
The sprawling set constructed at Film City in Mumbai’s Goregaon gives a glimpse of grandeur befitting of the epic’s reputation, with a reported cost of Rs 11 crore to create a setting that mimics Lord Ram’s time at the Gurukul. Social media was abuzz with a viral video showcasing the intricately designed pillars of the set, indicative of the attention to detail and scale earmarked for this mythological saga.
The ambitious project is not only massive in scope—boasting a set that prides itself on artistic and architectural fidelity to the period—but also in terms of casting. Tiwari has enlisted an impressive roster, with Yash playing demon-king Raavan, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Rakul Preet Singh weaving menace as Shurpanakha. This trilogy is set to be announced around the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, which falls on April 17th this year, with insiders remarking there could be no more suitable day for such a significant revelation.
While the official announcement awaits this propitious date, rumors and reports indicate that the budget could soar beyond Rs 600 crore, committing the next two years of Nitesh Tiwari’s professional life to this cinematic endeavor. The enormity and influence of the ‘Ramayana’ in the cultural fabric of Hindu society drive the vision of this film. It is a narrative Tiwari grew up with, an integral part of his upbringing that he now wishes to translate onto the silver screen; a dream previously entertained only in the realm of imagination.
“I am consumed by the idea of doing a large-screen version of this epic. The ‘Ramayana’ is a part of almost every Hindu household. I grew up with it as an essential part of my life, and for me making it into a film is an honour I only dreamt of. My prayers have been answered,” the ‘Dangal’ director professed in an interaction with IANS.
The commitment to bring this historical scripture alive, with all its grandeur and moral profundity, suggests that both the creators and the actors are poised to offer a cinematic experience that may very well redefine the scale and scope of storytelling in Bollywood. While Ranbir Kapoor’s commanding fee makes headlines, it speaks volumes about the belief in this project’s potential to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema’s history. With anticipation mounting, all eyes will be on this production that promises to be a landmark event in the realm of film adaptations of India’s cherished epics.
