Ramayana: Part 1 has received a boost ahead of its theatrical release. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has confirmed that the mythological film will be made tax-free in the state. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and headlined by Ranbir Kapoor.
The Chief Minister spoke to ANI about the decision. He said the exemption applies to this film and also referred to other titles while explaining the state's approach.
Ramayana Part 1 Tax-Free: What the West Bengal CM Said
Adhikari confirmed the tax-free status directly. According to [ANI], he said the Ramayana film has been made 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'." — [ANI]
His statement makes clear that the decision is part of a wider pattern in the state, not a one-off move for a single film.
More Mythological Films Could Follow
The Chief Minister also indicated that more mythological stories could make their way to the big screen in the coming years. According to [ANI], he said films on Shri Krishna and Arjuna, as well as the Mahabharat, could arrive in the days to come.
- Ramayana: Part 1 is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and stars Ranbir Kapoor in the lead.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the tax-free status to ANI.
- The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files were also referenced in his statement on tax exemptions.
- He pointed to future films on Shri Krishna, Arjuna and the Mahabharat.
Our Take: Why the Tax-Free Status Matters
To put it plainly, a tax-free tag is a real financial benefit. It lowers ticket prices for viewers in West Bengal and can pull more people into theatres. For a big mythological release like Ramayana: Part 1, that can translate into stronger footfall in the state.
In our view, the more interesting part is the signal it sends. By naming The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files alongside Ramayana, the Chief Minister has tied this exemption to a clear pattern of films the state wants to back. That is a political choice as much as an economic one, and readers should see it that way.
The mention of future projects on Shri Krishna, Arjuna and the Mahabharat shows the state is thinking well beyond one release. For now, the confirmed fact is simple: Ramayana: Part 1 will be tax-free in West Bengal, and that is good news for the film's box office prospects in the state.
