New Delhi, March 31 -- Filmmakers are planning mega-budget big-screen spectacles across languages in the coming months despite a relatively volatile box office and uncertain business environment.

The producers of the two-part mythological epic Ramayana (the first instalment of which is to be released in November) and SS Rajamouli's Varanasi (scheduled for release in April next year) are banking on the ability of these stories to reach audiences beyond Indians, and south Asians in general. Both films are among the titles estimated to cost upwards of Rs.1,000 crore each to make.

They are also looking to create cinematic universes with spin-offs and merchandise offers, besides expectations of a smooth recovery from satellite and digital ri...