Ramayana advance bookings hit Rs 100 crore before release

Strong domestic and international pre-release response

The Hindi version accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic advance gross. Strong responses for the Telugu and Kannada versions have also provided the film with a foothold in southern markets.

International markets have also contributed to pre-release business, with paid-preview bookings in the United States crossing USD 1.2 million. Opening-weekend advance sales in the United States reached USD 3 million, alongside contributions from Australia and the United Kingdom.

Trade experts weigh in on opening day projections

He attributed this potential performance to the advantage of IMAX screens and the film's appeal in the Hindi belt and northern states.

Trade exhibitor and analyst Akshaye Rathi predicts a nationwide opening of over ₹100 crore gross across all languages. However, Rathi noted that the pre-Diwali period may slightly affect opening numbers as many people are out shopping and socialising.

Veteran trade analyst Komal Nahta estimated Hindi collections at ₹60 crore and all-language collections at ₹100 crore or more. He does not expect the film to surpass the opening day total of Dhurandhar 2.

Despite differing projections, Ramesh Bala, Akshaye Rathi, and Komal Nahta agree that Ramayana enjoys a unique advantage that few Indian films have had before. Trade experts suggest the film could become one of the biggest successes in Indian cinema if the word of mouth is positive, even if it does not surpass Dhurandhar 2 on the first day.

Budget estimates and financial recovery strategy

The total budget for this two-part adaptation is estimated at roughly ₹4,000 crore, approximately USD 420-500 million, placing it among the costliest Indian film projects. Industry analyst Bala states this figure covers both parts, with the first instalment costing around ₹2,000 crore.

Trade analyst Nahta offers a different estimate, placing the maximum cost for the first part at ₹1,200 crore. Within that first instalment, core filming expenses are projected at ₹1,000-1,100 crore.

Profitability for the project depends on non-theatrical revenue, such as satellite and OTT rights, alongside repeat viewings by audiences. Bala says the film has the potential to recover its budget, while Nahta hopes the project will yield significant profits.

Star-studded cast and production team details

Producers Namit Malhotra and Yash have assembled a cast that includes Ranbir Kapoor, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Ranbir Kapoor reportedly received ₹150 crore for both films, amounting to ₹75 crore per movie.

Yash, who also is a co-producer, was offered ₹100 crore for the two parts. Sunny Deol, who plays Hanuman, received ₹40 crore, while Sai Pallavi earned ₹12 crore for her role in both instalments.

The production team includes Oscar-winning VFX company DNEG to handle the visual effects. Rahman and Hans Zimmer collaborated to compose the film's music.

Bala describes the project as having the ingredients of a massive blockbuster, citing the combination of the lead actors, the music by Rahman, and the visual spectacle. Rathi says the blend of mythology, star power, and visual effects creates a near-perfect box-office package.

Long-term global potential and market outlook

Trade expert Bala expressed caution regarding the film's prospects in the Chinese market. Conversely, Rathi is optimistic about the film's performance in China and other international regions, describing it as a fresh story for non-Indian audiences.

Nahta remains bullish on China, expressing hope that the women-centric narrative will resonate there as films like Dangal and Bajrangi Bhaijaan did. Rathi views the project as a win for Indian cinema that could open doors for domestic films worldwide.

Bala believes that, on paper, the film could surpass the lifetime collections of Dhurandhar 2.

Trade expert Bala predicts the film could collect between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 crores theatrically if audience reactions are positive. Trade expert Nahta estimates the film's Indian box office collection could range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 crores.

Rathi believes the worldwide box office ceiling is unprecedented, noting the potential for the film to become the highest-grossing Indian production globally.

Ticket pricing debate and future scheduling

IMAX tickets for Ramayana have reached prices between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000, leading to debate among experts. Bala expects these high prices to decrease after the opening week.

Nahta supports the pricing strategy, noting that the makers have invested heavily in the production. He suggests that viewers unable to afford IMAX prices should wait or watch the film in non-IMAX formats.

Nahta believes the FOMO factor will drive interest as people will want to be part of the conversation.

Namit Malhotra announced that the second installment of the film has been postponed to 2028 to avoid a rush job.