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Top 10 Most Expensive Films In India: Indian cinema has entered an era of massive-budget filmmaking, especially in Bollywood and the South film industries, producing spectacular epics that are on level with Hollywood productions in terms of budget and Visual effects (VFX). Some Indian films’ production costs have surpassed Rs 500 crore. For example, the recent films such as Kalki 2898 AD and RRR were high-budget films and got worldwide success. Similarly, blockbuster movies like Adipurush, Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1, and Pushpa: The Rule: Part 2 were produced with large budgets. These massive motion pictures frequently have all-star casts, require thousands of extras, and use modern technology to bring futuristic and mythological themes to life. 

Is Ramayana to become The Most Expensive Film Ever Made In Bollywood?

Looking ahead, industry updates hint at a fresh take on the upcoming adaptation of Ramayana featuring Ranbir Kapoor, along with Sai Pallavi, which might beat all the current records.  With a rumoured budget of huge ₹4,000 crore as per sites like Bollywood Hugama, Times of India and others. The report highlights that Indian cinema is preparing to set a new benchmark. 

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramaya will release in two parts, and this is the combined budget. This jump in Indian film budget shows the industry now focuses beyond borders, chasing nationwide appeal or bigger footprints. Whether it’s sci-fi, myth-driven plots, epic history rides, or punchy action hits, costly Indian movies bet on daring tales, slick visual effects while pushing hard to grab viewers across continents.

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Here is the list of the most expensive films ever made in Bollywood and how much they earned worldwide after release; 

Rank Film Budget (Crore INR) Worldwide Gross (Crore INR)
1 Kalki 2898 AD 600 1,027–1,200
2 RRR 550 1,387
3 Adipurush 500-700 350–392.70
4 Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 500 795–845
5 Robot 2.0 400-600 699–800
6 Pushpa: The Rule- Part-2 400-500 1,800
7 The Good Maharaja 400 -
8 Brahmastra Part One: Shiva 375-400 418.8–431
9 Singham Again 350-375 400–410
10 Jawan 300-350 1,148.32

Source: IMDb

1. Kalki 2898 AD (₹600 crore)

Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD, ranked among India’s expensive films to date. Instead of just action or drama, this movie blends Indian mythology with a dystopian world set in the year 2898 AD. Starring Prabhas alongside Deepika Padukone and veteran actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, even Disha Patani pulls her weight here. The story is visually spectacular and extensively themed, focusing on a world awaiting the arrival of Kalki, Vishnu's last avatar in the year 2898 AD.

2. Adipurush (₹500–700 crore)

Adipurush, a movie by Om Raut, draws from the ancient Indian story Ramayana - showcasing Ram's fight against the demon king Ravana. Starring Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, along with Saif Ali Khan and Sunny Singh, it mixes drama and action on a grand scale. Critics were split on its quality, but still, it ranks among India’s most expensive movies due to heavy use of visual effects and its spiritual roots.

3. RRR (₹550 crore)

Under S.S. Rajamouli’s direction, RRR unfolds as an intense, action-packed story from India's pre-Independence era. This movie plot is based on the fictional story of two revolutionary freedom fighters and their powerful bond. Featuring Ram Charan alongside Jr. NTR, it mixes emotion with high-energy moments throughout. NTR, Alia Bhatt, or Ajay Devgn. Packed with wild stunts, raw pride moments, also massive scenes, the movie blew up worldwide. Its popularity made its song Nacho Nacho to enter the Oscar and even win the Best Song Academy Award in 2023.

 

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4. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 (₹500 crore)

Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film is based on the classic Tamil novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The narrative delves into Prince Arunmozhi Varman's political schemes and the early history of the Chola Empire. Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Trisha, and Jayam Ravi are among the actors in the movie. It was a huge success because of its royal theme and rich visuals.

5. Robot 2.0 (₹400–600 crore)

Under the direction of S. The sci-fi action movie Shankar, 2.0, is a sequel to the blockbuster Enthiran. It features Akshay Kumar as the antagonist and Rajinikanth, who makes a comeback as Dr. Vaseegaran and the robot Chitti. The film focuses on technology, mobile radiation, and environmental themes, presented with heavy VFX and large-scale action.

6. Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 (₹400–500 crore)

This sequel film of Pushpa, directed by Sukumar, dives back into the shady trade of red sandalwood. Starring Allu Arjun alongside Rashmika Mandanna with Fahadh Faasil in key roles, the plot tracks how Pushpa climbs up, clashes with rivals, fights for control - fueling hype like few others. Pushpa is seen as both a massive budget project and one of the highest-grossing movies worldwide.

7. The Good Maharaja (₹400 crore)

The Good Maharaja, made by Vikash Verma, tells a wartime story inspired by the true events around Maharaja Jam Sahib from Nawanagar. Sanjay Dutt plays the main character here. This movie shows his efforts to help Polish kids when World War II was going on. Because of big scenes, wide themes, along filming across global spots, it needed deep funding.

8. Brahmastra Part One: Shiva (₹375–400 crore)

Brahmastra, a fantasy film directed by Ayan Mukerji, dives into myth through the lens of old-school divine weapons known as astras. Starring Ranbir Kapoor alongside Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan and Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna adds depth. Ranbir Kapoor as Shiva stumbles upon wild fire-based abilities he never knew existed. Packed with heavy-duty visual effects, this film ranks among India's costliest fantasy projects ever made.

 

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9. Singham Again (₹350–375 crore)

This Rohit Shetty film continues the cop world saga - Ajay Devgn leads a cast stacked with names like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Tiger Shroff. A big-budget affair focused on taking down corrupt systems and dirty deals in law enforcement. Expect explosive stunts mixed with flashy cameos throughout. The film is packed with high-stakes action instead of quiet scenes.

10. Jawan (₹300–350 crore)

Jawan, directed by Atlee, features Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi; Deepika Padukone shows up briefly. Instead of just fights, it brings up real problems: unfairness, dirty politics and girls standing strong. Thanks to SRK playing two characters plus wild chase sequences, crowds everywhere went crazy for it.

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