Even as the entertainment world continues to buzz over its grand visual scale and star-studded reveals, director Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited mythological epic Ramayana has officially run into troubled waters. Ahead of its scheduled worldwide theatrical release this Diwali, the film has faced a formal pushback from cultural watchdogs, putting the makers on high alert.
The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has officially requested an exclusive preview screening of the mega-budget project, raising concerns over potential scriptural inaccuracies, costume choices, and the overall portrayal of sacred characters.
In formal communications directed to the makers, Shri Ramlila Mahasangh President Arjun Kumar emphasized that while the organization fundamentally welcomes cinematic interpretations of the epic, it is determined to avoid a repeat of past controversies. Drawing sharp parallels to the intense backlash faced by previous adaptations like Adipurush (2023), the Mahasangh stressed the importance of protecting the emotional and spiritual sentiments of millions of viewers.
Addressing the PTI, Arjun Kumar elaborated on the organization’s stance:
“We welcome the film and want millions of people to experience it. We are even willing to organise free screenings for members of the Ramleela Committee. However, the trailer left us concerned because we felt it did not capture the emotional and spiritual essence expected from the Ramayana. Some of the costumes also appeared unusual, which led us to request the producers and director to arrange a special screening for the Ramleela Committee before the film’s theatrical release.”
The organization expressed specific apprehensions regarding stylistic choices, visual depictions—such as the artistic direction of Lanka—and the emotional gravitas captured in the newly released promotional assets. The Mahasangh noted that if any shortcomings, historical distortions, or dialogues hurting religious sentiments are identified during a special screening, they expect immediate revisions.
Raising the stakes significantly, the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has issued a firm caveat. The leadership declared that if the filmmakers choose to bypass their request for a pre-release preview and the film hits screens with perceived inaccuracies, the organization—along with allied regional Ramlila committees and Hindu bodies—will launch coordinated demonstrations and protests outside cinema halls across multiple cities.
Clarifying the organization’s legal boundary, Kumar noted that while they do not hold official certification authority, their collective voice represents decades of grassroots staging of the epic, giving them a moral stake in how the narrative is presented globally.
Built on a staggering, unprecedented scale, Ramayana stands as one of the most ambitious projects in global cinema. Helmed by Dangal (2016) director Nitesh Tiwari and backed by producer Namit Malhotra alongside visual effects giant DNEG, the two-part epic features an expansive, powerhouse ensemble cast:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita Maa
- Yash as the formidable antagonist Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
- Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi
As the debate intensifies across trade circles and digital platforms, the makers are yet to issue an official statement regarding the demand for a special screening. With Ramayana: Part 1 locked in for a grand theatrical rollout during Diwali 2026—and the second instalment slated for Diwali 2027—all eyes are now on how the production team navigates this crucial hurdle before the festive season arrives.
By: Bollyo
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