Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ is already one of the most ambitious film projects ever undertaken in Indian cinema. From its jaw-dropping budget to a galaxy of top-tier stars, every update about this mythological saga is turning heads, and for good reason. Now, the buzz has turned toward the film’s cast fees, and let’s just say the numbers are as epic as the story itself.
With an estimated budget of ₹1600 crore, Ramayana isn’t just aiming for box office glory; it’s trying to redefine Indian cinema’s scale altogether. Touted to be released in two parts, the first one is slated to hit screens on Diwali 2026, followed by the sequel in Diwali 2027. Let’s take a closer look at the star cast and how much they’re reportedly earning for their divine and devilish roles in this cinematic masterpiece.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram—₹150Crore
Leading the charge is Ranbir Kapoor, who plays the central figure of Lord Ram. According to reports, Ranbir isn’t charging a flat fee. Instead, he’s taking home 10% of the total film budget, which works out to a staggering ₹75 crore per installment. That’s ₹150 crore across both parts, making him the highest-paid actor in this magnum opus. The decision to portray Lord Ram was a conscious and spiritual one for Ranbir, and he has reportedly undergone a major physical and mental transformation for the role, including staying away from alcohol and meat during the film’s production.
Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita—₹12Crore
Known for her simplicity and soul-stirring performances, Sai Pallavi will be seen as Goddess Sita. While her fee doesn’t match the astronomical figures of her co-stars, she’s still making a solid ₹6 crore per part, totaling ₹12 crore. With her critically acclaimed performances and ethereal screen presence, Sai Pallavi is likely to bring the emotional depth and cultural authenticity of Sita to life. Her casting has been well-received by fans, as they view her as the ideal personification of divinity and strength.
Yash as Ravana—₹100Crore + Production Stake
The mighty Raavan will be portrayed by none other than Kannada superstar Yash, and he’s not just acting; he’s also co-producing the film under his banner, Monster Mind Creations. According to sources, Yash is pocketing ₹50 crore for each part, amounting to ₹100 crore in total. But wait, there’s more: being a producer also makes him likely to receive a percentage of the film’s profits.
Famous for his brutal on-screen presence in the KGF series, Yash’s casting as Raavan is something that’s both surprising and intriguing. With his casting, the character is likely to be shifted from simply a villain to a multi-faceted, anti-hero kind of character.
Sunny Deol playing Lord Hanuman—₹40Crore
In a casting coup that left fans ecstatic, Sunny Deol has played Lord Hanuman. The seasoned actor, famous for his raw energy and earth-shaking dialogue delivery, is being remunerated ₹20 crore per part, taking the total to ₹40 crore. Considering the physicality and emotional heft of the role, Sunny’s joining the Ramayana fold lends both star power and fire. If hearsay is to be believed, he has also undertaken a special fitness program to reflect the speed and power of Bajrangbali.
Ravie Dubey as Laxman—₹2–4Crore
Ravie Dubey, who has earned most of his fame working in Indian television, has been cast as Laxman, Lord Ram’s obedient younger brother. Although the exact figure he’s receiving isn’t known, his salary is estimated to be anywhere between ₹2–4 crore. While modest compared to A-listers, it represents a career jump for Ravi Dubey and firmly places him in the film industry limelight. The audience wants to know how he plays out one of the most intense emotional roles in the Ramayana.
More Than Just Star Salaries
While the star cast and their fees are grabbing headlines, it’s important to remember that Ramayana is a project that goes far beyond acting. The film has onboarded global action and design legends, like Terry Notary (Avengers, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa), to choreograph high-octane battle sequences between Ram and Raavan.
Even the visual realm of Ramayana is being designed on a global level. Production design is in the hands of Ravi Bansal (Dune 2, Aladdin) and Ramsey Avery (Captain America, Tomorrowland). Together, they are likely to build an immersive world fusing ancient Indian visuals with global cinematic storytelling.
A Saga Beyond Scale
With massive investments, visionary direction, global talent, and a cast that reads like the guest list at a Bollywood awards night, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation film. The fees being paid to actors might seem jaw-dropping, but they reflect not just star power but the film’s promise of redefining mythological storytelling for a global audience.
The countdown to Diwali 2026 has already begun. If the film delivers even half of what it promises, Indian cinema is in for a divine awakening.