In a clash of cinematic titans, two international blockbusters recently debuted within days of each other, each vying for global box office dominance. While the latest Godzilla installment roared to the top of domestic charts, an Indian epic quietly made history by crossing the $100 million mark worldwide—ahead of its kaiju competitor.
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, a lavish retelling of the ancient Hindu epic, has amassed an estimated $101.9 million globally in its first week. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as the demon king Ravana. With a reported budget of $400 million for two planned installments, it's one of the most expensive films ever made in India, rivaling Hollywood's biggest spectacles.
The movie's success is particularly notable given that it outpaced Godzilla Minus Zero, the sequel to the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One. That film, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, reached the $100 million milestone less than 48 hours later, but its production cost was a mere $15 million—a fraction of the Indian epic's budget. Still, the Godzilla sequel has been a critical darling, earning a 91% critics' score and a 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising its blend of monster mayhem and human drama.
For Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, the box office haul is a testament to its cultural resonance and visual grandeur. The film has generated the bulk of its revenue in India, where it has grossed $19 million domestically in nine days. It currently holds a 77% critics' score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences lauding its immersive world-building and majestic score.
The film's performance is even more impressive when considering the competitive landscape. It debuted alongside Godzilla Minus Zero, which claimed the number-one spot on the domestic chart, while Ramayana secured a top-five finish. The Indian epic is now poised to surpass its predecessor's worldwide gross, with projections suggesting it will cross $150 million globally by Sunday.
This milestone comes as Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Rama has drawn widespread attention, with fans and critics alike praising his performance. The film's success also highlights the growing global appeal of Indian cinema, which has seen a surge in international box office numbers in recent years.
Meanwhile, Godzilla Minus Zero continues to hold its own, with its predecessor's legacy—including a Best Visual Effects Oscar—bolstering its appeal. The franchise's enduring popularity is evident in its strong streaming presence, as fans revisit the King of Monsters across platforms.
As the year's highest-grossing Indian film remains Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which earned approximately $180 million worldwide in March, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is well on its way to challenging that record. With its epic scale and star-studded cast, it's a cinematic event that has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this box office battle and the continued success of both films.
