Salman Khan on Ramayana: ‘Focus on Rama, Sita and Ravana, not the Rs 4,000 crore budget’

What should people remember about a film based on the Ramayana: the scale of its visual effects, the money spent bringing it to life, or the story that has travelled across generations? Salman Khan has made his preference clear. The actor believes the conversation around Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana should centre on its characters and the epic itself, rather than the reported Rs 4,000 crore production budget and VFX.

Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace in Mumbai, Salman weighed in on the discussion surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram. His comments come just a day after Ramayana: Part 1 opened in cinemas worldwide.

Salman Khan says Ramayana debate should be about its characters, not VFX

“I just think Ramayana ka charcha Ramayana pe hona chahiye na ki VFX and cost of production par. I think this narrative ki 4000 (budget of Ramayana) aur VFX, VFX, VFX. I just don’t think ki that is correct,” he said. The actor further emphasised, “I just think ki Ramayana ka charcha Ramayana ke upar hi hona chahiye – Rama, Ravana, Sita.”

The actor also spoke about the qualities associated with Lord Rama, drawing a comparison with the central character he plays in Maatrubhumi. He described Rama as a good son, husband, father and warrior, saying that his own character embodies these virtues.

Salman also recalled watching Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television adaptation of the epic, adding, “Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan I watched”.

Ramayana releases worldwide with Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 is the first instalment of a two-part cinematic adaptation. Ranbir Kapoor plays Ram, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, Yash appears as Ravana, Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman and Sunny Deol takes on the role of Hanuman. Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu, while Arun Govil, Lara Dutta and Rakul Preet Singh feature in supporting roles.

The film has attracted attention for its scale, international production partnerships and visual effects, with music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Its reported Rs 4,000 crore budget has also become a major talking point, although the figure has not been independently established as the final production cost.

Maatrubhumi gets December 4 release date after repeated delays

Salman’s comments came at an event that also brought a fresh update about Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salma Khan under Salman Khan Films, will now release in theatres on December 4, 2026. Chitrangada Singh plays a pivotal role.

Explaining the delays, Salman said, “We thought we would be able to complete the film in 45-50 days, but madam got injured, and it took her time to recover. We were earlier supposed to release the film in either January or June, but it was then pushed to August. Now, we will release it on December 4.”

The project was earlier titled Battle of Galwan and is inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The confrontation in eastern Ladakh in June 2020 resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and sharply strained relations between the two countries.

With Ramayana now in theatres and Maatrubhumi heading for a December release, Salman has found himself discussing two very different films. His larger point, however, is the same: the story and the people at its centre should not get lost in the spectacle surrounding them.

(With inputs from ANI)