Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stated that the production cost for the first installment of the epic 'Ramayana' is less than Rs 800 crore. Writing on his social media platform X on November 15, 2026, Varma disputed circulating reports suggesting a combined budget of Rs 4,700 crore for both parts of the film. He argued that the actual expenditure for the first part is lower, taking into account financial arrangements such as global tax benefits, subsidies, and other mutually beneficial deals.
Addressing claims that the production is burdened by high costs, Varma characterized those who assume both parts have equal budgets as "stupid," comparing the logic to assuming the cost of a film before and after the interval would be identical. He suggested that production expenses can be heavily skewed toward specific segments, noting he has seen instances where the climax accounted for 50 percent of a film’s budget.
The director praised co-producer Namit Malhotra, labeling him one of the most significant filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema. Varma claimed that revenue from the first part, alongside non-theatrical income, would likely cover the entire investment for both films. He further predicted that the second part of the series would perform "10 times more" than the first, citing the scale of its upcoming action sequences. Varma also highlighted that assets created for the first film, including those intended for potential use in gaming and merchandising, serve as future revenue streams.
To illustrate the film's broad appeal, Varma shared a personal account of his mother purchasing tickets for domestic staff and security guards in her residential complex, a gesture he noted she did not perform even for his own successful films.
Key facts
- Ram Gopal Varma stated the production cost of 'Ramayana: Part 1' is less than Rs 800 crore.
- Reports cited by the Indian Express mentioned a combined estimated budget of Rs 4,700 crore for both installments.
- 'Ramayana: Part 1' was released on November 5, 2026.
- The film has reportedly surpassed the Rs 1,288 crore mark at the worldwide box office.
- Varma predicted the second installment will perform 10 times better than the first based on expected action sequences.
Why it matters
The success of the first film and its ability to generate revenue beyond the box office through merchandise and gaming is expected to secure the financial viability of the planned second installment. Varma suggested that these financial gains will allow the production team to pursue further large-scale ventures in the future.
Background
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the adaptation of the Indian epic was released shortly before Diwali and reached the milestone of being the 11th Indian film to cross its reported collection mark within eight days.
Source: Times of India, Indian Express
Comments