Cinema VinesRanbir Kapoor’s upcoming adaptation of the ancient epic Ramayana has become the subject of a heated debate ahead of its scheduled Diwali release. The film, which stars Kapoor as the legendary hero Rama, is being scrutinised by the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, a prominent Hindu organisation that has issued a formal letter to the producers demanding a special pre‑release screening. The request, according to the organisation, is aimed at ensuring that the movie does not contain any scenes or dialogue that could offend religious sensibilities.
Arjun Kumar, the president of Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, wrote to the makers urging that the screening be held for members of the Mahasangh, Ramlila committees, and other Hindu groups in Delhi. In a statement, Kumar criticised Kapoor’s portrayal of Rama, describing it as “weak” and claiming that the actor does not fully embody the traditional image of the deity. He added that the film’s trailer was “underwhelming” and that Kapoor’s performance “lacks the gravitas associated with the character.”
Beyond the concerns about the actor’s depiction, the letter also raised issues about the visual representation of Lanka, the city of the demon king Ravana. Kumar noted that the film’s depiction of Lanka in black rather than gold, and the portrayal of Ravana’s army, “did not align with traditional beliefs.” He cited the earlier release of a film starring Prabhas, which had faced criticism for similar content, as a warning that “Adipurush” had failed at the box office partly due to its negative portrayal of sacred themes.
The organisation has warned that if the requested screening is not arranged, it will mobilise protests and demonstrations outside cinema halls in Delhi and other states. Kumar stated that the Mahasangh would “stage protests and demonstrations” and that it would “raise objections if we believe the film distorts the scriptures.” He clarified that while the group is not a certifying authority, it would take action to protect religious sentiments.
Despite the controversy, the film’s director, who remains unnamed in the source, and the production team have not yet responded publicly to the letter. The film’s release is slated for Diwali, a peak season for Indian cinema, and the situation has sparked a broader conversation about artistic freedom, religious sensitivity, and the role of community organisations in influencing cinematic content.
