Ramayana film production and controversy

Actress Sai Pallavi has discussed her spiritual approach to portraying the character of Mata Sita in the upcoming cinematic epic, Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. During an appearance on the show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Pallavi stated she approached the role with a sense of prayer and surrender, seeking to let the essence of the character manifest through her performance rather than through her own intellect.

Following these comments, filmmakers released a character promo introducing Pallavi as Sita, highlighting themes of devotion, duty, and her connection to the Earth in Mithila. The film is a two-part adaptation featuring an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Promotional activities have also included fashion highlights from the actress, such as traditional saree styling during events like a premiere in Los Angeles.

The release of the first chapter on November 5, 2026, has sparked online controversy regarding the portrayal of Sita. Critics have targeted a specific scene depicting Sita fighting demons alongside Rama, claiming the sequence deviates from traditional scriptures like the Valmiki Ramayana. While some social media users have labeled the depiction a distortion of the epic, others have defended the artistic choice by noting that certain versions of the story portray Sita as a strong warrior. Actress Rashmika Mandanna expressed support for the film on social media, praising Pallavi’s appearance and the performances of the lead cast. The second part of the film is planned for 2027.