After two years under lockdown, Indian filmmakers have decided to go all-out in 2022. Along with big debuts and interesting storylines, cinema’s biggest names are taking major risks this year, with ambitious outdoor shoots and high-level VFX driving up budgets higher than we’ve seen in recent times.

With plenty of exciting projects to check out in 2022, here’s some of the year’s biggest-budget blockbusters:

Ponniyin Selvan: I 

An adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1993 novel, this movie is being made on a massive budget of Rs. 500 crore. With Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead role, this film just might be in the running for Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus – and that’s certainly saying a lot.

The teaser launched a few days ago and with plenty of exciting visuals on display, it’s clear that the budget has been put to good use.

Brahmastra

Ayan Mukherjee’s ‘Astraverse’ has already drawn plenty of attention, especially owing to its power-couple cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

If rumours are to be believed, the VFX-loaded entertainer was made on a whopping budget of Rs 300 crore – with many fans touting Brahmastra as the advent of India’s own MCU.

RRR

Even though it’s been some time since RRR released, people can’t seem to get enough of this unprecedented international hit. This Telugu freedom-fighter epic was directed by SS Rajamouli, and has been made on a budget of Rs 550 crore – making it one of the biggest regional-language Indian films in history.

Featuring actors such as NT Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, and Alia Bhatt, the film has, so far, earned almost Rs 1200 crore across the globe.

Shamshera

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Shamshera is set to release soon on July 22, 2022. Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Karan Malhotra, this film also had a sizeable budget of Rs 150 crore.

Featuring Ranbir Kapoor in a dual role, it tells the story of a dacoit tribe, fighting for freedom under British rule.

Laal Singh Chaddha 

This movie is set to release on August 11, 2022. Starring the ‘perfectionist’ Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, this movie has been directed by Secret Superstar director-writer, Advait Chandan. After his last film’s massive success, Chandan’s newest project boasts a massive Rs 180 crore budget.

While the story also has connections with historical events, this movie has been shot at more than a hundred locations, giving us a strong idea of where the budget has been spent, other than its high-profile leads.

Gangubai Kathiawadi  

One of Alia Bhatt’s standout performances, Gangubai tells the story of a real-life mafia queen of Mumbai, who rose from the city’s brothels to wield major political and financial influence in the 1960s.

Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film cost Rs 166 crore to make, and grossed over Rs 200 crore.

(Featured Image Credits: Kalaiarasan/Twitter)