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.
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 & Film | Estimated Budget (in INR) | Director | Lead Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Kalki 2898 AD | 600 crores | Nag Ashwin | Amitabh Bachchan Kamal Haasan Prabhas |
| #2 2.0 | 570 crores | S Shankar | Rajinikanth Akshay Kumar Amy Jackson |
| #3 RRR | 550 crores | SS Rajamouli | N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Ram Charan Ajay Devgn Alia Bhatt |
| #4 Adipurush | 500 crores | Om Raut | Prabhas Saif Ali Khan Kriti Sanon |
| #5 Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | 500 crores | Mani Ratnam | Vikram Karthi Jayam Ravi Aishwarya Rai Bachchan |
| #6 Brahmastra | 410 cores | Ayan Mukerji | Amitabh Bachchan Ranbir Kapoor Alia Bhatt |
| #7 The Good Maharaja | 400 crores | Vikash Verma | Sanjay Dutt Dhruv Verma |
| #8 G.O.A.T (The Greatest of All Time) | 380 crores | Venkat Prabhu | Vijay Prashanth Prabhu Deva |
| #9 Saaho | 350 crores | Sujeeth | Prabhas Shraddha Kapoor |
| #10 Radhe Shyam | 350 crores | Radha Krishna Kumar | Prabhas 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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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