Salman Khan has weighed in on the growing discussion around Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film , questioning why so much attention is being given to its reported ₹4,000 crore budget and visual effects.
The actor believes the film should instead be discussed for its story, characters and connection to the scriptures.
Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film , Salman said that the conversation around Ramayana should not be limited to how much money has gone into making it or the scale of its visual effects.
“I just think Ramayana should be discussed for Ramayana and not its VFX or its cost of production. I think this narrative that ₹4,000 crore… VFX, VFX, I just don’t think that is correct. Ramayana should be discussed for its characters, Ram, Ravana, Sita, on the scriptures,” he said.
His comments come amid considerable attention around the scale of the ambitious two-part adaptation, which stars as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra.
Salman also spoke about the qualities associated with Lord Ram and drew a connection between the character and his own role in Maatrubhumi.
Addressing the fact that his film is arriving around the same time as Ramayana, the actor said Lord Ram represented several qualities, including being a good husband, son, father, warrior and brother. He added that his character in Maatrubhumi possesses similar qualities.
When asked whether he had watched the new Ramayana, Salman said he had seen ‘s popular television adaptation of the epic.
His comments also brought attention to the different ways in which filmmakers are approaching stories based on Indian mythology. While Ramayana is being made on a massive scale for the big screen, Salman suggested that its emotional and cultural significance should remain at the centre of the discussion.
The actor also recalled that he and his brother had once planned to make a film based on Ramayana around 20 years ago.
Salman said the project was announced, after which photographers captured him and his brother leaving a place late at night. He recalled how a section of the press used their photographs with crowns placed on their heads, presenting them as Ram and Lakshman.
According to the actor, the media coverage led to the project being shelved.
Meanwhile, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, which was initially scheduled to release on 20 November, will now arrive in cinemas on 4 December. The change was made as the film’s work was still pending.
Salman’s remarks come at a time when Ramayana is already drawing attention for its scale and ambitions. The first part was released in cinemas worldwide on November 5, with the second instalment planned for a later release.
The reported ₹4,000 crore figure has been a major talking point since the makers began promoting the project. However, it is important to understand that this amount does not refer to the first film alone.
Actor Yash, who plays Ravana and is also a co-producer, clarified in October that the figure covers both parts of . It also includes post-production, global release and promotional expenses.
Yash had earlier defended the scale of the investment, saying the makers wanted to present Indian cinema to international audiences on a much bigger platform.
The first part of Ramayana was released in theatres on November 5, while the second instalment is planned for a later release.
