Top 10 Most Expensive Movies in India

India’s film industry is a powerhouse of creativity and scale, producing an impressive array of movies annually across Bollywood and diverse regional cinemas. Known for their spectacular productions, India’s most expensive movies showcase not only Bollywood’s grandiosity but also the ambition of Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam industries.

Most Expensive Movies in India
Most Expensive Movies in India

As the art of filmmaking has evolved, so has its commercial aspect with rising budgets and box office stakes shaping the landscape. This guide of National Film Awards 2024, explores the Top 10 Most Expensive Movies in India, highlighting the films that have pushed boundaries to set new benchmarks in Indian cinema.

Top 10 Most Expensive Movies in India

Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive films in India, according to industry sources.

Rank & FilmEstimated Budget (in INR)DirectorLead Roles
#1 Kalki 2898 AD600 croresNag Ashwin Amitabh Bachchan
 Kamal Haasan
 Prabhas
#2 2.0570 croresS ShankarRajinikanth
Akshay Kumar
Amy Jackson
#3 RRR550 croresSS RajamouliN. T. Rama Rao Jr.
Ram Charan
Ajay Devgn
Alia Bhatt
#4 Adipurush500 croresOm Raut   
Prabhas
Saif Ali Khan
Kriti Sanon
#5 Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1500 croresMani RatnamVikram
Karthi
Jayam Ravi
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
#6 Brahmastra410 coresAyan Mukerji   
Amitabh Bachchan
Ranbir Kapoor
Alia Bhatt
#7 The Good Maharaja400 croresVikash VermaSanjay Dutt
Dhruv Verma
#8
G.O.A.T (The Greatest of All Time)
380 croresVenkat PrabhuVijay
Prashanth
Prabhu Deva
#9 Saaho350 croresSujeeth   
Prabhas
Shraddha Kapoor
#10 Radhe Shyam350 croresRadha Krishna KumarPrabhas
Pooja Hegde

Let us look more closer at the most expensive movies in Bollywood which showcase the country’s cinematic extravagance and allure.

1. Kalkai 2898 AD

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: Star Studios

Kalki 2898 AD, directed by the acclaimed National Award winner Nag-Ashwin, is one of his most ambitious projects. Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic future, this sci-fi epic was written by Ashwin and Sai Madhav Burra. The story centers on an unexpected band of rebels tasked with rescuing a lab-created being, Kalki, destined to defend Earth against dark forces.

Prabhas takes on a dual role in the film, supported by a stellar ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Rajendra Prasad, Shobhana, Pasupathy, and Anna Ben.

The film made history at the global box office, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film ever with earnings of Rs.1100 crore.

2. 2.0

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2018
  • Studio: Lyca Productions

Directed by S. Shankar, 2.0 stands as a landmark in Indian cinema, showcasing cutting-edge visual effects and an engaging plot. Starring the legendary Rajinikanth with Akshay Kumar, the film delves into themes of environmentalism and technological process.

With a substantial budget, 2.0 raised the bar for Indian sci-fi action captivating viewers through its stunning visuals and inventive storytelling.

3. RRR

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: DVV Entertainment

Directed by visionary filmmaker S.S Rajamouli, renowned for the Baahubali series, RRR is a grand period drama set in the pre-independence era. Featuring Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr. in prominent roles, the film weaves a story of bravery and patriotism.

RRR also gained notable acclaim at the 2023 Oscars, where its song “Naatu-Naatu” won the award for Best Original Song.

4. Adipurush

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2023
  • Studio: T-Series Films

Adipurush, directed by Om Raut, reimagines the mythological epic with Prabhas portraying Lord Rama. Featuring grand sets and advanced visual effects, the film marks a significant attempt in Indian cinema to revive ancient stories on big screen. Despite this ambitious effort, it failed at the box office and faced criticism for its writing quality.

5. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: Madras Talkies

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 brings Kalki Krishnamurthy’s classic novel to life on screen. Set in the Chola dynasty era, the film narrates the story of Arulmozhivarman, a young prince on a quest to reclaim his throne and restore justice in his kingdom. With Vikram as Aditya Karikalan and Aishwarya Rai as Nandini, the cast delivers powerful performances.

6. Brahmastra

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: Star Studios

Brahmastra blends mythology, fantasy, and adventure to deliver a captivating cinematic experience. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the story follows Shiva, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, as he uncovers his unique powers and embarks on a quest to reveal the mysteries surrounding an ancient weapon, the Brahmastra.

Alia Bhatt joins him as Isha, supporting his journey. The film showcases impressive visual effects and a talented cast, including Amitabh Bachchan.

7. The Good Maharaja

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: Not Released
  • Studio: G7 Films Poland

The Good Maharaja explores the life of Maharaja Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji of Nawanagar during World War II. As the ruler of a small Indian princely state, Maharaja Jam Sahib undertakes remarkable actions to safeguard Polish refugees escaping the Nazi regime highlighting his compassionate humanitarian efforts amidst the turmoil.

8. The Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T)

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2024
  • Studio: AGS Entertainment

GOAT is Thalapathy Vijay’s 68th movie and his most expensive production so far. This project is also AGS Entertainment’s 25th film. As reported by the Times of India, Vijay earned a record-breaking Rs 200 crore for his dual role making him India’s highest-paid actor in 2024.

Greatest of All Time explores a science fiction narrative that examines the complex bond between a father and son positioned on opposing sides of the moral spectrum.

9. Saaho

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2019
  • Studio: UV Creations

Saaho follows the journey of a protagonist, portrayed by Prabhas, who becomes caught in a complex web of deceit and betrayal after a heist goes wrong. As the story unfolds, he sets out to uncover, the truth about the robbery and those responsible.

Facing a series of intense challenges, including formidable enemies and surprising allies, as he navigates through a world filled with intrigue and danger. The film is a rollercoaster of action-packed sequences, thrilling twists, and turns that keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the last moment.

10. Radhe Shyam

YouTube video
  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: UV Creations

Directed by Radha Krishna Kumar, Radhe Shyam is a romantic drama set in the scenic landscapes of Europe. Starring Prabhas and Pooja Hegde, the film tells a story of love, fate, and chance encounters.

With its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, Radhe Shyam aims to captivate audiences with its romantic charm and cinematic splendour.

Conclusion

The top 10 most expensive movies in India highlight the growing investment in high-quality filmmaking, advanced technology, and elaborate production. These films reflect the ambition to compete globally, showcasing a blend of creativity, and high-end production values, solidifying India’s place in global cinema.

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