W-Power 2025

Top 10 most expensive movies made in India

Learn about the most expensive movies in India, from the groundbreaking visuals of '2.0' to the epic drama of 'RRR'

Published: Dec 6, 2024 04:59:00 PM IST
Updated: Dec 6, 2024 04:59:40 PM IST

India boasts a vibrant film industry that churns out a staggering number of movies each year, encompassing Bollywood and regional cinema. The most expensive movies in India come from all spaces. Bollywood, based primarily in Mumbai, is renowned worldwide for its extravagant productions and catchy musical numbers, often capturing the hearts of audiences across the globe.

However, India's cinematic landscape extends far beyond Bollywood, with regional industries such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and others contributing immensely to the diversity and richness of Indian cinema. Over the years, the art of filmmaking has evolved into a highly commercialised venture, with budgets skyrocketing and box office returns becoming paramount.

Also Read: Business of Entertainment: Some post-Covid recovery in 2023, but choppy waters ahead

Top 10 most expensive movies in India

Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive films in India (as of August 2024), 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 Pushpa 2: The Rule
400-500 crores
Bandreddi Sukumar Allu Arjun
Rashmika Mandanna
#7 Brahmastra 410 cores
Ayan Mukerji    
Amitabh Bachchan
Ranbir Kapoor
Alia Bhatt
#8 The Good Maharaja 400 crores
Vikash Verma Sanjay Dutt
Dhruv Verma
#9
G.O.A.T (The Greatest of All Time)
380 crores
Venkat Prabhu Vijay
Prashanth
Prabhu Deva
#10 Saaho 350 crores
Sujeeth    
Prabhas
Shraddha Kapoor

It's time for a closer look at the most expensive movies in India, which showcase the country's cinematic extravagance and allure.

Read More

Also Read: From Jawan to Bigg Boss 17, most searched movies and shows in India in 2023 according to Google Trends


Kalki 2898 AD

  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: Star Studios

Kalki 2898 AD is one of the biggest offerings by National Award-winning director Nag Ashwin. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this sci-fi film was co-written by the director-screenwriter and Sai Madhav Burra. It follows an unlikely group of rebels on a mission to save the titular lab subject, who is descended to protect the earth from evil forces. Prabhas plays a dual role in the movie. The rest of the star-studded cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Rajendra Prasad, Shobhana, Pasupathy, and Anna Ben. The film broke records to become the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of all time after earning Rs1100 crore at the global box office.

2.0

  • Year of Release: 2018
  • Studio: Lyca Productions

Directed by S Shankar, 2.0 is a monumental achievement in Indian cinema, boasting groundbreaking visual effects and a gripping storyline. Featuring the iconic Rajinikanth alongside Akshay Kumar, the film explores themes of environmentalism and technological advancement. With its massive budget, 2.0 set a new standard for Indian sci-fi action films, captivating audiences with its spectacular visuals and imaginative narrative.

Also Read: Top 10 highest-grossing films worldwide

RRR

  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: DVV Entertainment

Helmed by the visionary director SS Rajamouli (renowned for the Baahubali franchise), RRR is an epic period drama that transports viewers to the pre-independence era. Starring Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr., in leading roles, the film narrates a tale of valour and patriotism. RRR also achieved significant recognition at the 2023 Oscars, with its song Naatu Naatu winning the title of 'Best Original Song'.

Also Read: Prime Video unveils its biggest content slate with close to 70 movies and series

Adipurush

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

Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush is a retelling of the mythological epic featuring Prabhas in the role of Lord Rama. With its lavish sets and cutting-edge visual effects, Adipurush represents a monumental endeavour in Indian filmmaking, aiming to bring ancient tales to life on the big screen. However, the film tanked at the box office and was criticised for its quality of writing.

Also Read: Top 10 highest-paid actors in the world

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1

  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: Madras Talkies

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 is a cinematic adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy's classic novel. Set against the backdrop of the Chola dynasty, the film follows the journey of Arulmozhivarman, a young prince striving to reclaim his rightful throne and uphold justice in the kingdom. The cast, led by Vikram as Aditya Karikalan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini, delivers compelling performances. Also Read: List of Top 10 longest films ever made in history

Pushpa 2: The Rule

  • Year of Release: 2024
  • Studio: Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media
Allu Arjun reunited with writer-director Sukumar for the second instalment of the Pushpa trilogy--Pushpa 2: The Rule. Rahsmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil also returned to reprise their roles. The film was released on December 5, 2024, and it registered the highest opening day for an Indian film by collecting Rs270 crore at the worldwide box office. Even before the release, the film had nearly recovered the cost by selling the non-theatrical rights, including digital, satellite, and music rights, reportedly at Rs425 crore.

Brahmastra

  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Studio: Star Studios

Brahmastra is a film that combines elements of mythology, fantasy, and adventure to create an engaging cinematic experience. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the movie follows the journey of Shiva, played by Ranbir Kapoor, as he discovers his extraordinary powers and sets out to uncover the secrets of an ancient weapon known as the Brahmastra. Alongside him, Alia Bhatt, as Isha, participates in Shiva's quest. The film features stunning visual effects and a talented ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan.

The Good Maharaja

  • Year of Release: Not released
  • Studio: G7 Films Poland

The Good Maharaja delves into the life of Maharaja Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji of Nawanagar during World War II. As the ruler of a small princely state in India, Maharaja Jam Sahib takes extraordinary measures to protect Polish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime, showcasing his humanitarian efforts amidst global turmoil.

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. It is AGS Entertainment's 25th film. According to a report in the Times of India, Vijay received Rs200 crore remuneration for his double role in the film, making him the highest-paid actor in India in 2024. Greatest of All Time is a science fiction story that also tests the bond between a father and son who are standing against each other on the moral spectrum.

Saaho

  • Year of Release: 2019
  • Studio: UV Creations

Saaho revolves around a mysterious character, played by Prabhas, who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal after a heist gone wrong. As the story unfolds, he embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind the robbery and the people involved. Along the way, he encounters various challenges, including dangerous adversaries and unexpected 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 very end.

X