Veteran actor questions creative liberties taken with the epic, says filmmakers must respect the original narrative

Mumbai, November 10 (HS): Nitesh Tiwari’s film ‘Ramayana’ has remained in the spotlight since its release, drawing mixed reactions from audiences. Several members of the film fraternity have also praised its cast and production scale.

However, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has raised objections to certain aspects of the film and criticised the filmmakers. He expressed particular displeasure over an action sequence featuring Sai Pallavi, who portrays Goddess Sita, and strongly condemned the decision to depict the character in a combat scene, saying the makers should be ashamed of it.

In a blog post, Khanna observed that much of the discussion surrounding the film had centred on its budget and box-office earnings, whereas the more important question should be whether the epic Ramayana had been presented faithfully. He also questioned the practice of altering revered epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata by introducing imaginative elements and modifying their original episodes.

According to the actor, Valmiki’s Ramayana does not describe Mata Sita as engaging in warfare or participating in battles. He argued that portraying her in an action sequence therefore departs from the original spirit and narrative of the epic.

Khanna further said that the filmmakers had cited the ‘Adbhuta Ramayana’ as the source of inspiration for the sequence. However, he maintained that incorporating imaginative elements into the story while presenting it as an adaptation of Valmiki’s Ramayana was inappropriate. He urged filmmakers to remain mindful of the original narratives and the sanctity of religious epics while adapting them for the screen.

It may be noted that Ranbir Kapoor portrays Lord Rama in the film, Sai Pallavi plays Mata Sita, while Yash essays the role of Ravana. Ravi Dubey is also part of the cast.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar