India is known for its vibrant and diverse film industry, which produces films in various languages and genres. Some of these films are made with huge budgets, involving lavish sets, costumes, visual effects, and star-studded casts. In this blog, we will look at some of the most expensive movies ever made in India, and what makes them so special.
The Top 10 Most Expensive Movies in India
1. RRR (2022) (₹550 Cr)
RRR is the most expensive film in India, with a budget of over ₹550 crore. The movie is directed by SS Rajamouli, who is famous for his epic Baahubali series. RRR is a fictional story based on the lives of two legendary freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, played by Ram Charan and Jr. NTR respectively.
The movie also features Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt in supporting roles. RRR was released in 2022 and made a whopping global collection of ₹1200 crore. The Naatu Naatu song from the movie also bagged Oscars in 2023.
2. 2.0 (2018) (₹400 Cr – ₹600 Cr)
2.0 is the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster Robot, which starred Rajinikanth as a scientist and his android creation. The sequel has Rajinikanth reprising his roles, along with Akshay Kumar as the antagonist, a bird-like creature who seeks revenge on humans for destroying nature.
2.0 was one of the most expensive movies made in India at the time. The movie was produced with a budget ranging from ₹400 crore to ₹600 crore. The movie is known for its stunning visual effects and action sequences, which were done by international technicians.
3. Brahmastra: Part One (2022) (₹375 Cr – ₹400 Cr)
Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva is a fantasy adventure film directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Shiva, a man who possesses a powerful weapon called Brahmastra, and Alia Bhatt as Isha, his love interest.
The film also features Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Mouni Roy, and Dimple Kapadia in pivotal roles. Brahmastra is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹375 crore to ₹400 crore. The film is planned to be the first part of a trilogy and made a collection of ₹420 crore.
4. Saaho (2019) (₹350 Cr)
Saaho is an action thriller film starring Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles. The film follows an undercover cop who gets involved in a battle with a gang of criminals who are after a mysterious black box that holds the key to a treasure.
Saaho is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹350 crore. The film was shot extensively in various locations across India and abroad, such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Romania, and Austria.
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5. Radhe Shyam (2022) (₹300 Cr – ₹350 Cr)
Radhe Shyam is a romantic drama film starring Prabhas and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles. The film is set in Europe in the 1970s and follows the love story of Vikramaditya and Prerna. Radhe Shyam is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹300 crore to ₹350 crore.
The film was shot in various locations such as Italy, Georgia, France, Germany, and Hyderabad. The film was a flop and suffered a loss of more than ₹100 crore.
6. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) (₹250 Cr)
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is the second part of the epic saga of Baahubali, directed by SS Rajamouli. The film stars Prabhas as Baahubali/Shiva, the son of Amarendra Baahubali, who learns about his heritage and seeks to avenge his father’s death from his uncle Bhallaladeva, played by Rana Daggubati.
The film also features Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj, and Ramya Krishnan. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹250 crore. The film broke several records at the box office and became the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time.
7. Thugs of Hindostan (2018) (₹200 Cr – ₹300 Cr)
Thugs of Hindostan is an action-adventure film set in 18th-century India when the British East India Company was expanding its rule over the country. The film follows a band of rebels led by Khudabaksh Azaad, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who challenges the British tyranny.
The film also stars Aamir Khan as Firangi Mallah, a rogue who joins Azaad’s cause. The cast includes Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Thugs of Hindostan is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹200 crore to ₹300 crore. The film was shot on elaborate sets and locations such as Malta, Thailand, and Rajasthan.
8. 83 (2021) (₹225 Cr – ₹270 Cr)
83 is a biographical sports drama film written and directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Deepika Padukone, Kabir Khan, Vishnu Vardhan Induri, Sajid Nadiadwala, and Reliance Entertainment.
The film is based on the Indian national cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, played by Ranveer Singh. The film also features Deepika Padukone as Romi Dev, Kapil’s wife, and an ensemble cast of actors who portray the other members of the team and their supporting staff.
83 showcases the journey of the team from being underdogs to champions, overcoming various challenges and obstacles along the way. 83 is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹225 crore to ₹270 crore. The film was released in conventional 2D and 3D formats, distributed by Reliance Entertainment and PVR Pictures in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages, apart from the original version.
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9. Padmaavat (2018) (₹215 Cr)
Padmaavat is a historical drama film based on the epic poem of the same name by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The film depicts the story of Rani Padmavati, played by Deepika Padukone, the queen of Chittor who commits self-immolation to protect her honour from the invading Sultan Alauddin Khilji, played by Ranveer Singh.
The film also stars Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh, Padmavati’s husband and the king of Chittor. Padmaavat is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹180 crore to ₹190 crore. The film faced several controversies and protests from various groups who claimed that it distorted history and hurt their sentiments.
10. Samrat Prithviraj (2022) (₹175 Cr)
Samrat Prithviraj is a historical drama film based on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, one of the most celebrated rulers of medieval India. The film stars Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj Chauhan and Manushi Chhillar as Sanyogita, his love interest.
The film also features Sanjay Dutt, Ashutosh Rana, Sonu Sood, and Sakshi Tanwar. Samrat Prithviraj is one of the most expensive movies made in India, with a budget of ₹150 crore to ₹200 crore. The film was a box office failure and was only able to collect close to ₹100 crore.
Conclusion
These are some of the most expensive movies ever made in India that showcase the grandeur and financial capacity of Indian cinema. These films have not only entertained millions of viewers but also inspired many filmmakers and artists to create more ambitious and innovative projects.