Kolkata: Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana: Part 1' has been declared tax-free in West Bengal, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing the decision on Dussehra ahead of the film's theatrical release.
"The Ramayana film has been made tax-free. The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files - all of these will be made tax-free, and the same will apply to Ramayana," Adhikari said, speaking to a news agency. He added that in the days to come there would be films on Shri Krishna and Arjuna, as well as the Mahabharata.
The film, based on the Hindu epic, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita. It is scheduled to release in theatres on November 5, 2026. The makers said preparations for the release are in full swing.
Announcing the decision on Dussehra, Adhikari said The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files would also get the same tag. He said films on Shri Krishna, Arjuna and the Mahabharata would follow. Distributors expect the tax-free tag to lower ticket prices and draw more viewers to theatres.
The makers have not yet released fresh details about the film. The announcement, made during Dussehra events in the state, has set off discussion in the film industry. Distributors believe the tax-free tag will give theatres in the state a big boost.
A tax-free tag lowers the effective ticket price, which distributors expect will draw more viewers to theatres. West Bengal has extended the concession to a few other films in the past. The cast's promotional schedule for the film is expected to be announced soon.