West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the upcoming epic ‘Ramayana’ will be made tax-free in the state.Adhikari made the announcement while attending the Dussehra celebrations at Central Park in Kolkata, alongside actors Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said the film would join a list of movies that have been granted tax-free status 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,” he said.Adhikari also spoke about the growing slate of films based on Indian mythology, and even expressed his excitement fror the epic Mahabharata. He said, “In the days to come, we will see films on Shri Krishna and Arjuna, as well as the Mahabharata.”This announcement came shortly after Producer Namit Malhotra announced a multi-project Ramayana Cinematic Universe. The films will feature a standalone Hanuman Film, reportedly starring Sunny Deol in the lead as Lord Hanuman.The Character spin-offs includePlanned films or shows focused on key figures including Surpanakha, Jatayu, Indrajit, and Angad.‘Ramayana’ features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is envisioned as a two-part epic.Ranbir, who plays Lord Ram in the epic, thanked the CM and the people present for welcoming the film’s team to Kolkata for the festival. “It is a matter of great happiness and good fortune for us to come to this sacred land of Kolkata and celebrate Dussehra with all of you,” Ranbir said.Sharing his message on the occasion, the actor said, “Dussehra reminds us of a very beautiful thing: no matter how powerful evil may be, ultimately, truth and goodness triumph.”Ranbir also urged people to spread love and happiness and continue following the path of truth. “So, spread love, spread happiness, and try to always remain on the path of truth. On behalf of the ‘Ramayana’ team, I would like to wish all of you a happy Dussehra. Jai Shri Ram,” he added.Yash, who portrays Ravana in the film, spoke about his personal connection with Kolkata and recalled how his journey in theatre began in the city around 2004-2005. “Today, I have come here as a film actor. I am feeling very happy,” he said.Recalling his early days, the actor said he had travelled to Kolkata by train after getting an opportunity to work backstage in theatre during the Narendra Festival. “The last time I came here by train was, I think, in 2004 or 2005. My journey in theatre began here for the first time,” Yash said.He also thanked the audience for welcoming the ‘Ramayana’ team.Connecting the film’s message with the significance of Dussehra, Yash said, “The significance of Dussehra is the victory of good over evil. Good always triumphs. Let’s go, let’s walk towards it.”
