That is a misconception: Yash clarifies Ramayana's Rs 4,000 crore budget

Actor Yash has defended the much-discussed Rs 4,000-crore budget of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, clarifying that the figure does not represent the production cost of the first part alone. The actor and co-producer explained that the amount covers both parts of the epic, along with their global release and promotional expenses.Ramayana has been billed as one of the most ambitious and expensive Indian films ever made. Producer Namit Malhotra had previously revealed a reported budget of $500 million, approximately Rs 4,000 crore. The figure sparked considerable discussion, with some trade observers questioning whether the film could recover such a massive investment at the box office.Addressing the budget during his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Yash discussed the scale of the project and the Rs 4,000-crore figure. He clarified that the number has often been misunderstood.He said, “That is a misconception, so let me clarify it to everyone. Rs 4,000 crore is the budget for the two-part film, including release and promotion. It is the same as Hollywood. Our partner (Namit) said this after including all that. Wahan ka maths waisa hi hota hai (The maths there is like this). A budget equal to the film, or sometimes more, they spend on promotion because it is global. But the revenue is global too.” Yash also explained why he believes such an investment is necessary to take Indian cinema to a global audience. According to the actor, cinema can play an important role in establishing India’s cultural influence internationally.“Cinema is a soft power. All of us have to work really hard towards it. Whatever happens, we will work hard and do our job properly. If not today, then tomorrow we’ll make it happen. If we don’t, someone else will -, but it should happen. That is what I feel. Both Ramayana and Toxic are attempts to position Indian cinema as global films,” he added. Yash will portray the role of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part Ramayana, with Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi playing Sita. Yash is also serving as a co-producer on the project alongside Namit Malhotra.The film boasts a large ensemble cast, including Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi and Kunal Kapoor. Ramayana Part One is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 6, ahead of Diwali.Before Ramayana, Yash will next be seen in Geetu Mohandas’ Toxic-A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, a gangster drama featuring Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth and Huma Qureshi. The film is slated to hit theatres on August 26.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Aug 16, 2026 15:19 IST