‘Ramayana’: Ravana’s Throne Cost Rs 1 Crore, Shurpanakha’s Chariot Rs 1.5 Crore, Reveals Art Director

The scale of “Ramayana” is not limited to its reported budget of over Rs 4,000 crore. A considerable part of the production also went into building the physical world of the epic, with some of its most elaborate props costing crores. Art director Ramesh Andhale has now revealed that Ravana’s throne alone cost Rs 1 crore, while Shurpanakha’s chariot was built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore.

In an interview with Prabhat Khabar, Andhale spoke about the work that went into constructing the sets for Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana Part 1”. He revealed that he joined the project in February 2024, with construction beginning in April at Prime Focus Studios in Mumbai’s Film City. The team eventually built around 150 sets for the film.

Ravana’s throne took four months to complete. According to Andhale, the structure was first developed using a clay model and fibre casting before being finished with 24-karat gold leafing. The throne was designed to reflect the opulence associated with Lanka and its ruler.

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Shurpanakha’s chariot required three months of work and cost approximately Rs 1.5 crore. Unlike a purely decorative prop, the chariot had to be functional for the sequence in which Shurpanakha arrives at Rama’s hut

The art department also built physical models of some of the epic’s larger elements. A 24-foot-tall model of Jatayu was constructed to help actors perform their scenes with a tangible reference point. Ravana’s Pushpak Vimana was another substantial undertaking. Measuring around 50 feet, the model was divided into four sections because of its size. Andhale also explained that the team created 10 to 15 versions of several designs before arriving at what eventually appeared on screen.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, “Ramayana Part 1” released in theatres on November 5. The two-part adaptation is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. The second instalment is scheduled to arrive in 2028.