Salman Khan urges focus on Ramayana’s story over budget

Salman Khan said discussion of the film Ramayana should focus on its story and characters, rather than its reported production cost and visual effects, during the trailer launch of Maatrubhumi on November 6.

The actor was asked about the reported Rs 4,000 crore budget associated with the adaptation. He said the public conversation should be about Ram, Ravana and Sita, and not be dominated by VFX and production costs. The figure is reported as part of discussion around the film; the accounts do not establish its actual budget.

Khan also connected the qualities he associates with Lord Rama to the central character he plays in Maatrubhumi. He described Rama as a good son, husband, father and warrior, and said his own character possesses those qualities. In one account of his remarks, he also included being a good brother.

Khan recalled that he and his brother had planned a Ramayana film about 20 years ago. He said they shelved the project after press coverage of its announcement portrayed them as Ram and Lakshman. He also said he had watched Ramanand Sagar’s television adaptation of the epic.

Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, is a two-part adaptation...