Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has weighed in on the growing conversation surrounding Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious film Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. While the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer has been making headlines for its reported ₹4,000 crore budget, grand visuals and extensive use of visual effects (VFX), Salman believes the discussion around the epic should focus on something much more meaningful.
Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace in Mumbai on November 6, Salman urged audiences and the media to discuss the story of Ramayana, its characters and the scriptures on which it is based, rather than concentrating primarily on production costs and technical spectacle.
His remarks come just a day after Ramayana: Rise of a Legend arrived in theatres on November 5, 2026.
Salman Khan Says Ramayana Deserves More Than Budget and VFX Discussions
During his interaction with the media, Salman expressed concern about the narrative surrounding the film's reported budget and visual effects. He said that the conversation should be about the epic itself rather than how much money has been spent on making it.
"I just think Ramayana ka charcha Ramayana pe hona chahiye na ki VFX and cost of production par," Salman said.
He further questioned the repeated emphasis on the ₹4,000 crore figure and VFX, adding that he did not think such a narrative was correct.
Explaining what audiences should actually discuss, the actor said, "I just think ki Ramayana ka charcha Ramayana ke upar hi hona chahiye – Ram, Ravana, Sita, on the scriptures."
With this statement, Salman highlighted the importance of the characters and spiritual foundations of the epic. His comments have also drawn attention because Ramayana is one of the most ambitious cinematic projects in Indian film history, with expectations surrounding its scale and international presentation.
Salman Compares His Maatrubhumi Character to Lord Ram
During the same interaction, Salman also spoke about his role in Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. Interestingly, he connected the qualities associated with Lord Ram to the character he plays in the upcoming war drama.
Recalling the qualities traditionally attributed to Lord Ram, Salman described him as an ideal husband, father, son, brother and warrior. He suggested that his character in Maatrubhumi possesses similar qualities.
The actor said, "Ram ji ki kya qualities theen? Best husband, best father, the best warrior, the best son and best brother. Maatrubhumi me is character ke andar ye saari qualities hain."
His comparison offered a glimpse into how Salman views the central character of his upcoming film. Maatrubhumi is inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and features Salman as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who led soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment during the confrontation.
Has Salman Khan Watched Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana?
When asked whether he had watched the new Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, Salman responded with a smile. However, he did reveal that he had watched Ramanand Sagar's iconic television adaptation of the epic.
The television series, which originally aired in 1987, remains one of the most recognised screen adaptations of the Hindu epic. Its popularity continues across generations, making it an important reference point whenever a new adaptation of Ramayana is discussed.
Salman's comments also come amid widespread interest in the new film's interpretation of the characters and its cinematic presentation.
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash Lead the Star Cast
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The film draws inspiration from Valmiki's Ramayana and Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. Its ambitious scale, visual effects and international production approach have made it one of the most talked-about Indian films.
The project is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, with the reported combined budget of both instalments estimated at around ₹4,000 crore. The figure has become a major talking point even before the release of the first instalment.
Maatrubhumi Gets a New Release Date
At the same event, Salman also spoke about his upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, also stars Chitrangda Singh alongside Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary.
The film was initially expected to arrive in theatres on November 20, 2026. However, the release date was shifted to December 4, 2026, with additional time required to complete the visual effects work.
Salman also announced a special ticket initiative for senior citizens aged 75 and above, who will be able to watch the film for ₹11.
His remarks about Ramayana have added another dimension to the ongoing discussion around the epic. At a time when its budget and visual spectacle are receiving considerable attention, Salman has urged audiences to remember the story, its characters and the values that have made Ramayana timeless.
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