The highly anticipated film ‘Ramayana’, starring Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, has created a major stir in the film industry. The movie has already grossed over ₹500 crore at the Indian box office and more than ₹1,000 crore globally. While the total budget for the first part of the film stands at ₹2,000 crore, the producers have already recovered a substantial amount through various major pre-release deals and box office earnings. Let’s take a look at the earnings of ‘Ramayana’ from different sources.
- Digital (OTT) and Satellite Rights:
The Star Group and JioHotstar have acquired the satellite and OTT rights for ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ in a deal valued at ₹450 crore. This marks the largest non-theatrical deal in the history of Indian cinema, surpassing the previous records held by ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ (₹375 crore) and ‘RRR’ (₹325 crore). According to a report by ‘Sacnilk’, JioHotstar is planning to introduce a dedicated ‘pay-per-view’ window for the film.
- Music Rights:
T-Series has acquired the music rights in a deal worth ₹75 crore, which also includes a provision for a refundable advance. This deal covers both parts of ‘Ramayana’ (Part 1 and Part 2). According to a report by the ‘Hindustan Times’, T-Series has provided this payment under a ‘refundable advance’ model. This means that if the songs fail to generate this amount in revenue within a specified timeframe, the remaining balance must be returned to the producers. If the revenue exceeds this amount, the profits will be shared between the two parties.
- Overseas Theatrical Distribution (International Release):
Sony Pictures has acquired the rights for the international release. According to an official announcement from DNEG, Sony Pictures has taken on the responsibility for the theatrical distribution of the film globally—outside of India—including in North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. This has been structured based on a ‘revenue-sharing model,’ wherein the surplus profit—remaining after deducting expenses—will be shared between the producer and Sony Pictures.
- Domestic Theatrical Distribution (Release in India):
For the Hindi-speaking belt and North India, a partnership has been formed with Dharma Productions and Anil Thadani’s ‘AA Films.’ Initially, a sum of ₹450 crore was sought for the Hindi theatrical rights; however, the arrangement was subsequently structured based on a ‘commission and advance-sharing model.’
- South Indian Theatrical Distribution:
A major deal has also been secured for the four South Indian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Given the presence of major stars like Yash and Sai Pallavi, the value of the South Indian rights is estimated to be between ₹150 crore and ₹200 crore. As a co-producer of the film, Yash has retained the rights for his home market, Karnataka. Prominent producer Dil Raju has secured the rights for the Telugu-speaking states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) and Kerala under a ‘refundable advance’ model, valued at ₹54 crore.
Yash’s Co-production and Equity Deal:
Actor Yash has not charged any acting fee for this film; instead, he is involved as a co-producer through his production company, ‘Monster Mind Creations,’ operating on a ‘profit-sharing model.’ With all these deals and box office success, the ‘Ramayana’ team is set to make history by generating massive earnings both before and after its release.
