Indian cinema is entering a new era where ambition, scale and visual storytelling are pushing boundaries like never before. Big-budget films are no longer limited to grand sets and star power — they now promise world-class VFX, global-level production design and narratives mounted on an epic canvas. As filmmakers aim to match (and sometimes surpass) Hollywood standards, several upcoming projects are redefining what “spectacle cinema” means in India.
Here are some of the most expensive films currently shaping this shift.
Ramayana
Considered India’s answer to The Lord of the Rings, the Ranbir Kapoor and Yash-led Ramayana franchise is being made in two parts with an extraordinary budget of around ₹4000 crore ($500 million). The cost surpasses even major Hollywood titles like Avatar and the Avengers films. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the staggering investment, noting that both parts together will touch the $500 million mark.
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Varanasi
SS Rajamouli, already a synonymous name with large-scale filmmaking, is raising the bar once again with Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. The film is expected to traverse multiple eras and countries, using high-end VFX and international locations. With production expenses projected to exceed ₹1000 crore, Varanasi may become Rajamouli’s costliest and most expansive work yet.
Kalki 2898 AD Sequel
Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, one of India’s priciest films at about ₹600 crore, set a benchmark for sci-fi storytelling in the country. Its sequel is already underway, and the budget is expected to match- if not exceed -the scale of the first chapter, ensuring another visually rich and ambitious cinematic experience.
Allu Arjun-Atlee Film
Director Atlee is venturing into sci-fi and fantasy territory for the first time with Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone. Reports suggest the project will feature a creature-driven narrative with an “aliens vs warriors” concept. Early estimates place the VFX budget alone at over ₹500 crore, with total production costs likely reaching around ₹1000 crore, making it one of the most expensive films currently in the works.
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Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1
Expanding the Baahubali universe, the upcoming 3D animated feature Baahubali: The Eternal War aims to bring the franchise’s signature scale into animation. Rajamouli revealed a budget of ₹120 crore: a significant amount for Indian animation, particularly when compared to Mahavatar Narsimha, made at ₹40 crore and grossing over ₹250 crore.
As these massive productions take shape, Indian cinema is clearly stepping into a bold new phase. With cutting-edge technology, ambitious storytelling and international-grade execution, the future of spectacle filmmaking in India looks bigger — and more exciting — than ever.
