Bollywood Bets Big on 2026 With Mega-Budget Films, ‘Ramayana’ Tops the List

ISLAMABAD: After a mixed box office performance in 2025, Bollywood is preparing for a high-stakes comeback in 2026, placing major financial bets on a lineup of mega-budget films expected to reshape the industry’s commercial future.

While last year delivered only scattered successes, 2026 is being seen as a potential turning point. Industry estimates reveal that just six major films slated for release next year carry a combined budget of around ₹2,080 crore (approximately $231 million), highlighting both the scale of ambition and the significant financial risks involved.

Among the most talked-about projects are Ramayana, King, and Dhurandhar 2, all of which have generated strong anticipation within the industry and among audiences.

Topping the list is Ramayana, which claims the number one spot as the most expensive Bollywood project in the making. The film brings together Ranbir Kapoor and director Nitesh Tiwari, with Ayan Mukerji also involved after raising the bar for visual effects with Brahmastra. Ranbir Kapoor is set to portray Lord Ram in the epic mythological adaptation.

According to reports, the Ramayana franchise is planned with a total budget of nearly ₹4,000 crore, with around ₹900 crore already spent on the first part alone. The massive investment makes it one of the riskiest ventures in Indian cinema history.

Despite the enormous stakes, confidence remains high due to director Nitesh Tiwari’s proven track record. He previously delivered Dangal, which became the highest-grossing Indian film in the international market, earning over ₹2,059 crore worldwide.

The film also stars Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Ravi Dubey. While an exact release date has not yet been announced, Ramayana is expected to hit cinemas during the Diwali season in 2026.

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With such ambitious projects in the pipeline, 2026 could prove to be a defining year for Bollywood, potentially restoring its box office dominance if these high-budget gambles pay off.