The upcoming film Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is distinguishing itself not only through its ambitious storytelling but also its extraordinary production design, with individual props commanding significant budgets. Art director Ramesh Andhale has shed light on the meticulous craftsmanship behind two of the film's most elaborate creations: Ravana's opulent throne and Surpanakha's intricate chariot.
Crafting Ravana's Imperial Throne
Andhale detailed the extensive process behind creating Ravana's imposing golden throne, a central piece for the ruler of Lanka. The team began with a detailed clay model, which was then used to create a mould. The final structure was shaped in fibre before being adorned with a regal finish. To achieve its majestic appearance, the art department applied real 24-karat gold leafing. This elaborate process alone spanned nearly four months and reportedly incurred a cost of approximately ₹1 crore.
Andhale emphasized the iterative nature of such grand designs, stating, "No set is ever finalised in its first place. It takes 10-15 different versions and variations to achieve what’s seen on screen."
Surpanakha's Functional, Costly Chariot
Surprisingly, Surpanakha's chariot, though perhaps less visually iconic than Ravana's throne, carried a higher price tag. This vehicle was specifically designed for the pivotal scene depicting the character's arrival at Lord Ram's hut. Unlike many background elements, the chariot had to be fully functional, not merely a static prop.
Its complex, gold-plated finish and operational design required about three months to complete, pushing its estimated cost to around ₹1.5 crore. The decision to invest heavily in a tangible, working prop for a single scene underscores the film's commitment to building immersive environments rather than relying solely on visual effects.
Ambitious Production Design for an Epic Scale
These revelations offer a glimpse into the grand scale of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend's production. The film is rumored to feature more than 150 elaborate sets and numerous handcrafted props. Producer Namit Malhotra previously indicated that the combined budget for the two Ramayana films exceeds ₹4,000 crore. Within this colossal budget, the individual investments of ₹1 crore for a throne and ₹1.5 crore for a chariot highlight the production's dedication to unparalleled detail and authenticity in bringing the epic to life.