'Ramayana' budget: Yash, who plays Ravana, explains why highlighting ₹4000-crore budget is necessary
The first part of the highly anticipated cinematic project is scheduled to release on November 5, 2026. The star urged audiences to support the ambitious project rather than dismissing it prematurely based on online criticism
Actor and co-producer Yash once again clarified that the reported ₹4,000 crore budget for director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic “Ramayana” covers not just one film; instead, the amount represents the total investment in both parts of the planned film franchise. It also includes major expenses
Actor and co-producer Yash once again clarified that the reported ₹4,000 crore budget for director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic “Ramayana” covers not just one film; instead, the amount represents the total investment in both parts of the planned film franchise. It also includes major expenses
Actor and co-producer Yash once again clarified that the reported ₹4,000 crore budget for director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic “Ramayana” covers not just one film; instead, the amount represents the total investment in both parts of the planned film franchise. It also includes major expenses
Actor and co-producer Yash once again clarified that the reported ₹4,000 crore budget for director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic “Ramayana” covers not just one film; instead, the amount represents the total investment in both parts of the planned film franchise. It also includes major expenses required for visual effects, global distribution and international marketing.
Yash explained the budget during a promotional event on Thursday, where the team launched a new trailer. The "KGF" star said the figure has been misunderstood and explained how the project follows the financial strategies used by major Hollywood productions.
According to Yash, the ₹4,000 crore investment, estimated at around $500 million, covers both films. The first part is scheduled to release in theatres on November 5, 2026.
Yash explained that large-scale Hollywood films spare no expense, not only in production, but also in marketing and distribution. In some cases, these expenses can be on the same plane as the cost of making the film itself.
Since "Ramayana" is being developed for audiences around the world, a significant part of its budget has been set aside for international promotion and distribution. The aim is to reach viewers beyond India and establish the film as a global cinematic event.
Yash also pointed out that the project’s financial goals are linked to the international market. Since the film is being made on a global scale, its creators are looking at worldwide earnings rather than relying only on the Indian box office.
Yash also spoke about the importance of supporting ambitious Indian films. Responding to social media criticism around the film, including concerns about the film’s visual effects, he urged audiences to give the project a fair chance instead of dismissing it before its release.
He described cinema as a form of “soft power”, meaning a way for a country to share its culture, creativity and identity with the world. According to him, films with international technical standards can help Indian cinema gain greater recognition and respect.
He also suggested that projects of this scale can demonstrate the strength of India’s creative and technical talent. The film’s production involves DNEG, a major visual effects company also involved as a co-producer.
"Ramayana" features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Arun Govil as Dasharatha and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi.