10 Most Expensive Bollywood Songs Ever Filmed

There’s no secret that Hindi cinema is known for its high-octane tracks but which ones have been the most expensive Bollywood songs ever?

The legendary film industry has seen superstars create, direct and produce some of the most popular numbers ever.

From A R Rahman to Shreya Ghoshal, Bollywood has been graced by the most iconic voices.

Whilst this is what has entertained audiences for decades, the producers and music directors behind these tracks have obviously dedicated a lot of effort to making such pieces.

Likewise, they’ve had to be backed by film companies with the budget to bring these songs to life.

But, how costly are the most expensive Bollywood songs ever filmed? And more importantly, which numbers are they?

It’s also important to note that some of these songs are not strictly Bollywood and we have decided to include some tracks from South Indian cinema to highlight their expansiveness.

Yanthara Lokapu Sundarive

Sang by Shashaa Tirupati and Sid Sriram, ‘Yanthara Lokapu Sundarive’ is from the movie Enthiran 2 (2018).

The movie stars Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson and was up for multiple awards at the 2018 Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards and 2019 Asian Film Awards.

Although film critics thought the movie was average, the songs propelled it into the spotlight.

‘Yanthara Lokapu Sundarive’ tops this list as the most expensive number to have been made, costing a whopping Rs 20 Crores (approximately £2 million).

However, this song, along with the rest of the soundtrack was composed by A R Rahman. So, it’s no surprise that the film budget went out the window to finance this.

The futuristic theme, dancing, and visual effects all contributed to the giant sum.

Ghar More Pardesiya

‘Ghar More Pardesiya’ is from the 2019 romantic drama, Kalank.

Starring the likes of Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit, the track focuses on Bhatt as she glides through the kingdom.

It comes as no surprise that the track cost Rs 7 Crores (approximately £750,000).

The special effects team was working hard on this one and not to mention the choreography that takes place with numerous backing dancers.

In fact, Indian choreographer, Remo D’Souza won ‘Best Choreography’ for this track at the 2020 Filmfare Awards.

Although, there would be no song without the voices of Vaishali Mhade and Shreya Ghoshal who make the song come together perfectly.

Party All Night

The comedy movie Boss (2013) which stars Akshay Kumar and Mithun Chakraborty produced one of the biggest hits of the year with ‘Party All Night’.

Costing around Rs 6 Crores (approximately £604,246), this anthem skyrocketed due to legendary musician Yo Yo Honey Singh.

His energetic delivery along with Akshay’s vibrant acting made ‘Party All Night’ a fan favourite.

There’s no doubt that the stunts, extra actors, dancing and location for different scenes all culminated in such a high expenditure.

Ram Chahe Leela

Similarly costing Rs 6 Crores (approximately £604,246) is ‘Ram Chahe Leela’ from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela (2013).

Beautifully sung by Bhoomi Trivedi, her performance was rewarded with multiple prizes including ‘Best Female Playback Singer’ and ‘Upcoming Female Vocalist of the Year’.

Fusing classical, folk and western sounds meant that the number went straight into the charts.

Susmit Kumar, a fan of the song commented on YouTube:

“Honestly, this one song was the best part of the movie for me.”

“The amount of charm and oomph Priyanka Chopra exhibits is unparalleled. And the voice of Bhoomi is perfect.”

Many fans adored the gracious harmonies and the way the track described the relationship between the two protagonists.

Oo Antava

‘Oo Antava’ is from Pushpa: The Rise, a 2021 Telugu drama that stars Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna.

Whilst Allu Arjun features in the song, there was a surprising cameo by Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

Starring as the dancer alongside Allu, the pair embody the electronic pop sound of the track, which is sung by Indravathi Chauhan.

With the colourful sets, extravagant dancing and impressive costumes, ‘Oo Antava’ cost Rs 5 Crores (approximately £503,445).

But, the song was well rewarded for breaking the bank.

As well as topping the charts and getting played across the world, Indravathi Chauhan also won ‘Best Playback Singer – Female’, ‘Most Popular Singer – Female’ and ‘Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu’ for this specific song.

Ladio

A R Rahman once again worked wonders by creating ‘Ladio’. He teamed up with Nikita Gandhi who sang on the track from the 2015 movie I.

Whilst the anthem is infused with pop sounds and deters away from the classical Bollywood ballads, it’s the video direction which really captures fans.

The picturisation is vibrant and at times, psychedelic in nature.

But it’s this experimental nature that fans have applauded and companies have forked out the money for.

‘Ladio’ set directors back Rs 5 Crores (approximately £503,445) but the number has been compared to the likes of Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.

Malang (2013)

We have two ‘Malang’ songs featured on this list and the first is from Dhoom 3 (2013) which stars Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Abhishek Bachchan.

Whilst the movie was a Bollywood hit, it was the elegance, grandeur and impressiveness of ‘Malang’ that really spoke volumes.

The track is picturised on Katrina and Aamir as they take to the stage to perform multiple dance routines.

Using props, risky stunts, numerous backing dancers and huge sets, ‘Malang’ is a feast for the eyes…and ears.

Whilst the actors brought the song to life, the singers Shilpa Rao and Siddharth Mahadevan really make you feel the emotion and richness of the number.

Costing Rs 5 Crores (approximately £503,445), it’ll come as no surprise after watching the music video that this is one of the most expensive Bollywood songs ever.

Malang (2020)

The second of our ‘Malang’ tracks is from the thriller movie of the same name, which was released in 2020.

Starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Disha Patani in lead roles, they are also the focus of this anthem.

The composition and video direction of ‘Malang’ made it a huge success amongst audiences. One of which was Aditya Sharma who expressed his feelings toward the song, saying:

“No doubt the music in the movie is a masterpiece, it gives me fresh vibes.”

“But you gotta appreciate the mind-blowing cinematography as well. It makes you feel like you’re there.”

Beautifully sung by Ved Sharma, ‘Malang’ again cost Rs 5 Crores (approximately £503,445). However, this is due to the song being spread out across multiple locations.

From beaches to nightclubs to firework displays, the track has it all and really illustrates the romance between the two main actors.

Ghoomar Ghoomar

From the legendary film, Padmaavat (2018) which stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh comes the iconic track ‘Ghoomar Ghoomar’.

It focuses on Deepika who performs a traditional Rajasthani folk dance on a set that mimics the interior of the Chittorgarh Fort.

Deepika is accompanied by over 60 dancers and their performance was choreographed perfectly by Kruti Mahesh Midya and Jyoti D Tommar.

Whilst the setting and dancing are one thing, the impeccable costume design is another. All in all, the production of ‘Ghoomar Ghoomar’ cost Rs 4 Crores (approximately £402,475).

Upon the single’s release, the video surpassed 10 million views in its first 24 hours, showing just how much fans enjoyed it.

Singers Shreya Ghoshal and Swaroop Khan did amazingly and the song picked up multiple awards including ‘Best Choreography’, ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Female Playback Singer (Female)’.

Kilimanjaro

Enthiran is a 2010 movie starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Whilst the film was well received by audiences and critics, one of the standout moments of the story is ‘Kilimanjaro’.

Sung by Chinmayi and Javed Ali, the track was praised for its filming location where a number of dancers took advantage of the scenic backdrop and green environment.

Whilst the song references the famous mountain in Africa, the sequence was shot in Peru. But, that didn’t impact its beauty.

The peacefulness of the background with the energy of the song blended perfectly. One listener, Hardik Bhatt, revealed his appreciation and said:

“What a song, forget what the lyrics are and enjoy the music, chorus, coordination, and rhythm.”

‘Kilimanjaro’ cost Rs 4 Crores (approximately £402,475).

Well, there you have it – the most expensive Bollywood songs to ever be filmed.

Whilst numerous tracks have gone on to have better success or make more profit, these numbers cost the most to be produced in the first place.

But, it’s still worth saying that these songs have gone on to be successful in one way or another.

Did any of these expensive Bollywood songs surprise you?