In what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious cinematic endeavors in Indian film history, Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation of ‘Ramayana’ has gripped the nation with anticipation. The project, which stars Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, has recently come under spotlight for its staggering budget that eclipses previous records. With an estimated budget of Rs 835 crore, approximately USD 100 Million, the film’s first part alone heralds a new era in the scale of Indian film production.
The ‘Ramayana’, a revered Indian epic, has been a source of storytelling for generations, and the decision to bring this to life through cinema has been met with a mix of excitement and high expectations. Bollywood Hungama’s report sheds light on the film’s financial magnitude, revealing that the production costs underscore the producers’ commitment to create a visual spectacle aimed at the international market. Under the leadership of producer Namit Malhotra, the film is poised to redefine the approach towards Indian mythology on the silver screen.
What makes this budget even more awe-inspiring is the extent of post-production work planned – a colossal 600 days, signaling an intricate use of visual effects and the aspiration to create a global spectacle with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram at its center. The scale of this undertaking bears testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema as it seeks to assert its presence on the global stage.
The buzz surrounding ‘Ramayana’ was fueled further last month when leaked images from the set revealed Ranbir Kapoor in his portrayal of Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, leading to widespread speculation and excitement on social media. In an immediate response to the leak, Tiwari made strategic alterations to the production schedule. A strong emphasis has now been placed on indoor shoots to prevent further leaks and protect the film’s novelty, which is considered crucial for a mythological drama of this magnitude. Filmmakers have resorted to nighttime outdoor shoots and heightened security measures to maintain the integrity of the set.
A strict no-phone policy has been enforced from the outset of production, illustrating the producers’ stringent measures to safeguard the film’s content. This policy has been described as non-negotiable, with crew members committed to adhering to it. As a result, the team intends to capitalize on favorable weather conditions, aiming to wrap a significant portion of filming by June.
‘Eager to preserve the surprise element and dedication to the project, the schedule has been recalibrated to prioritize scenes that can be filmed away from prying eyes. The forthcoming weeks are slated to witness the filming of a key sequence that is expected to make headlines and potentially serve as the grand announcement of the epic trilogy.
The production is a star-studded affair, showcasing talents such as Yash as Ravan, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Arun Govil as King Dasharatha. Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ not only epitomizes the rising ambition of Indian cinema but also raises expectations for a ground-breaking trilogy that could potentially set new standards for filmmaking both nationally and internationally. As more information gradually comes to light, one thing is certain—this monumental project’s journey from script to screen will be avidly followed by both fans and cinephiles alike.
