When it comes to Bollywood movies, audiences are often treated to a visual feast of colorful costumes, extravagant dance sequences, and larger-than-life sets. Over the years, the Indian film industry has produced several high-budget films that have set new benchmarks for opulence and grandeur. In this article, we will explore some of the most expensive Bollywood movies ever made, showcasing the glitz and glamour of the world of high-budget film production in India.
Released in 2018, "Thugs of Hindostan" is one of the most expensive Bollywood movies ever made. With a budget of approximately 300 crores (around $42 million USD), this period action-adventure film starred Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, and Fatima Sana Shaikh in lead roles. The film featured elaborate sets, stunning visual effects, and high-octane action sequences that contributed to its massive budget.
"Padmaavat," directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is another high-budget Bollywood movie that took the industry by storm. The film, released in 2018, had a budget of around 215 crores (approximately $30 million USD) and featured lavish sets, intricate costumes, and stunning cinematography. Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, "Padmaavat" was known for its grandeur and visual spectacle.
Salman Khan's "Race 3," released in 2018, is also one of the most expensive Bollywood movies to date. With a budget of approximately 150 crores (around $21 million USD), the film was a high-octane action thriller that featured elaborate action sequences, exotic locations, and a star-studded cast including Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Bobby Deol. The film's production values and scale contributed to its hefty budget.
Directed by S. Shankar, "2.0" is a science fiction action film that is among the most expensive Bollywood movies ever made. With a budget of around 543 crores (approximately $76 million USD), "2.0" featured groundbreaking visual effects, cutting-edge technology, and larger-than-life action sequences. Starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in lead roles, the film was a visual spectacle that pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema.
Starring Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor, "Saaho" is a high-budget action thriller that is known for its jaw-dropping action sequences and stunning visual effects. With a budget of approximately 350 crores (around $49 million USD), "Saaho" was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The film's slick production values and international appeal contributed to its massive budget.
A period epic set in ancient India, "Mohenjo Daro" is another high-budget Bollywood movie that redefined opulence on the silver screen. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde, the film had a budget of around 115 crores (approximately $16 million USD) and featured elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and epic battle sequences. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, "Mohenjo Daro" was known for its grand scale and visual spectacle.
It would be remiss not to mention the "Baahubali" series when discussing high-budget Indian films. "Baahubali: The Beginning" and "Baahubali: The Conclusion" are epic historical dramas that took the Indian film industry by storm. With a combined budget of over 450 crores (approximately $63 million USD), the "Baahubali" series featured grand sets, breathtaking visuals, and epic storytelling. Starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty, the films raised the bar for Indian cinema and showcased the potential of high-budget filmmaking in India.
Set in pre-independence India, "Kalank" is a period drama that is among the most expensive Bollywood movies ever made. With a budget of around 150 crores (approximately $21 million USD), the film featured a star-studded cast including Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Sonakshi Sinha. "Kalank" was known for its lavish sets, intricate costumes, and emotional storytelling that contributed to its high production cost.
Directed by Anurag Basu, "Jagga Jasoos" is a musical adventure film that is among the most expensive Bollywood movies ever made. With a budget of around 131 crores (approximately $18 million USD), the film featured innovative storytelling, whimsical visuals, and a star-making performance by lead actor Ranbir Kapoor. "Jagga Jasoos" was known for its unique narrative style and imaginative storytelling that set it apart from traditional Bollywood fare.
Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, "Ra.One" is a science fiction superhero film that is renowned for its high production values and cutting-edge visual effects. With a budget of around 150 crores (approximately $21 million USD), "Ra.One" was one of the most expensive Bollywood movies of its time. The film featured state-of-the-art special effects, thrilling action sequences, and a gripping storyline that captivated audiences and showcased the potential of Indian cinema to compete on a global scale.
From period epics to sci-fi extravaganzas, Bollywood has produced several high-budget films that have redefined opulence on the silver screen. With elaborate sets, stunning visual effects, and star-studded casts, these movies have set new benchmarks for grandeur and scale in Indian cinema. As the Indian film industry continues to evolve and push boundaries, audiences can expect even more high-budget spectacles that showcase the glamour and extravagance of Bollywood filmmaking.