The Indian television show “Porus,” produced by Swastik Productions, is recognized as the most expensive TV show ever made in India, with a staggering budget of Rs 500 crore. The series aired between 2017 and 2018 on Sony TV and has continued to captivate audiences with its grandeur and historical depth.
Its budget was higher than some of India’s biggest movies, including “Baahubali 2,” “Brahmastra,” and “Jawan,” making it a significant milestone in Indian entertainment.
What Made Porus So Expensive?
‘Porus’ was based on the story of King Porus, a Paurava ruler known for his epic battle against Alexander the Great during the fourth century BC.
The show’s creators aimed to present it on a scale comparable to blockbuster films like “Baahubali,” with massive sets, advanced VFX, and elaborate production details. These elements contributed to its massive costs.
Each episode cost approximately Rs 1.70 crore to produce. This level of spending was unprecedented in Indian television history. The total number of episodes reached 299, pushing the total budget to Rs 500 crore.
To maintain authenticity and grandeur, the production involved:
1. Massive Sets: The show featured detailed sets that recreated ancient India, including grand palaces, battlefields, and rivers.
2. Extensive VFX Work: Advanced visual effects were used to depict battles, landscapes, and the overall visual appeal of the ancient era.
3. Large Cast and Crew: Thousands of extras were employed for battle scenes, while top-notch VFX supervisors and experienced technicians were hired to ensure quality.
4. Overseas Shooting: Some parts of the production were shot in Thailand to bring an international touch to the show.
5. Costumes and Props: Lavish costumes and weaponry were designed to give the characters a realistic and majestic appearance.
Porus’ Place Among Big-Budget Projects
When “Porus” was created, it surpassed even the biggest Indian movies in terms of budget. For example:
• “Baahubali 2” had a budget of ₹250 crore.
• “Brahmastra” was made for ₹350 crore.
• Recent movies like “Jawan” and “Singham Again” had budgets of ₹300 crore and ₹350 crore, respectively.
Despite the release of big-budget films like “RRR” and “Adipurush,” “Porus” remains a landmark in Indian television, demonstrating the potential of TV productions to match cinematic extravagance.
Achievements and Reception
“Porus” received acclaim not only for its production values but also for its storytelling. The lead role of King Porus was played by Laksh Lalwani, with Rohit Purohit portraying Alexander the Great. The show also featured notable actors like Rati Pandey, Aditya Redji, and Sameksha. It was praised for its historical narrative and cinematic quality, with many dubbing it the “Baahubali of TV.”
The series gained international recognition, winning multiple awards, including Best Director at the Asian Television Awards for Siddharth Kumar Tewary. It was also broadcast in several countries, highlighting its global appeal.
Legacy
“Porus” paved the way for Indian television to explore large-scale productions. Its sequel, “Chandragupta Maurya,” aired in 2018, continuing the historical saga. By setting a high benchmark, “Porus” inspired other producers to dream bigger and aim higher in terms of storytelling and production quality.
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