CM Suvendu Adhikari says ‘Ramayana’ to be made tax-free in West Bengal

Ahead of its November 5 theatrical release, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Dussehra that filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana—starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana—will be tax-free in the state.

“The Ramayana film has been made tax-free. The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files, and The Bengal Files—all of these will be (or have been) made tax-free, and the same will apply to Ramayana. In the days to come, we will see films on Shri Krishna and Arjuna, as well as the Mahabharata…” said Adhikari, speaking to ANI on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister also expressed condolences over the tragic stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata’s Chorbagan area.

“We also carry a deep pain in our hearts regarding the incident at the Durga Puja pandal in Chorbagan area. From this very stage, we offered prayers for those affected as well. We observed a moment of silence. Everyone stands with the grieving family,” he said.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, alongside Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Sheeba Chaddha, Shobana, and Faisal Malik in key roles.

Made on a massive ₹4,000 crore budget for its two installments, the epic is backed by Prime Focus Studios, Monster Mind Creations, and DNEG. Distribution rights have been secured by Dil Raju (Telugu states), Karan Johar (Hindi market), and Sony Pictures (international). Part one is set for a Diwali release on November 5.

Speaking at a recent pre-release event in Hyderabad, actor Yash urged fans to avoid nitpicking the film’s visual effects and to give the creators a fair chance.

“Sometimes when someone tries to do things like this, he has gambled his reputation and money to put this film on a global platform. Please don't try to find small faults in the VFX, this and that. It will never happen again if we lose people like him now. It will take more years; we will go back in time. Let's see the film with an open mind. He has always taken every feedback and criticism and tried to do it better. I request you from my side, for once, if you like the film, let's come together and show the world,” he said.