Cinema VinesIn a developing controversy, director Nitish Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana—starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram—has sparked backlash after the release of its trailer. The film’s depiction of the epic has drawn criticism from religious groups in Delhi, who fear that certain scenes or dialogues could offend Hindu sentiments.
Arjun Kumar, president of the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh and Lav Kush Ramlila in Old Delhi, has written to the makers requesting a special screening before the film’s theatrical launch. He argued that the trailer shows no emotion in Ram’s portrayal and depicts the deity taking a pledge and becoming angry to kill someone—an image he says contradicts the dignified nature of Lord Ram. Kumar also cited Kapoor’s recent commercial promotion of land sales in Ayodhya, questioning how the actor can sell the land while playing the revered figure.
Kumar added that the costumes shown in the trailer are unsuitable for a Ramayana production, pointing to past controversies such as the 2023 film Adipurush, which faced objections over Mughal‑era costumes and the portrayal of Lanka. He warned that if the filmmakers do not comply with the screening request, the Ramlila Mahasangh and other Hindu organisations will stage protests outside cinema halls in Delhi and other states.
The organisation clarified that it is not seeking a certificate for the film but is demanding the removal of any scenes that could hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus worldwide. It emphasized that films based on the Ramayana should not flop again, as past failures have sent a negative message to society. The Ramlila Mahasangh has threatened demonstrations if the requested screening is not arranged.
So far, the film’s public relations team has not responded to the request. The controversy highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike when adapting revered religious epics for a contemporary audience.
