High Stakes and Higher Budgets: The Upcoming Indian Films That Cost a Fortune

Updated: November 18, 2025 19:05

India’s film industry is gearing up for a spectacular slate of upcoming movies, with budgets soaring to new heights. From mythological epics to fantasy spectacles, these films promise groundbreaking visual effects, star-studded casts, and global appeal, with budgets ranging from ₹600 crore to over ₹4000 crore.

The Indian film industry continues to break new ground with high-budget productions that aim to match — and sometimes surpass — the scale and grandeur of Hollywood blockbusters. Here is a look at some of the most expensive upcoming Indian movies poised to create waves in 2025 and beyond:

Ramayana

Touted as India’s answer to “The Lord of the Rings,” the two-part Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash boasts a massive ₹4000 crore (approx. $500 million) budget. The mythological epic promises to feature stunning visual effects, intricate sets, and a star-studded cast, making it the most expensive Indian film ever made. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the combined cost for the duology.

Varanasi

Directed by SS Rajamouli, celebrated for Baahubali and RRR, Varanasi is set to be his costliest project at over ₹1300 crore. Starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film spans multiple time periods and countries, leveraging international locations and cutting-edge VFX. Expectations are sky-high given Rajamouli’s track record.

Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD was India’s priciest sci-fi film with a budget around ₹600 crore. The sequel is anticipated to have a similar or higher budget, aiming to blend futuristic storytelling with spectacular visual effects.

Allu Arjun-Atlee Film (AA22 X A6)

Director Atlee’s first sci-fi fantasy with Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone has generated buzz due to its ₹1000 crore estimated budget, with over ₹500 crore reserved for VFX alone. The film features a thrilling “aliens vs warriors” subplot, promising a unique cinematic experience.

Other Notables

Aside from these mega-budget productions, Indian cinema is witnessing a surge in high-investment films across languages, aiming for global markets. These projects represent a bold push toward world-class storytelling and technological advancements.

Conclusion

With combined budgets exceeding ₹7000 crore for these key projects, Indian cinema is fast becoming a global powerhouse. These upcoming films are not only set to captivate audiences domestically but also elevate India’s presence in international markets.

Sources: Republic World, Bollywood Hungama, Economic Times, IMDb, Gadgets 360.

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Ranbir Kapoor Launches Lifestyle Brand ARKS In Mumbai