‘Ramayana’: Ramlila Body Seeks Pre-Release Screening of Ranbir Kapoor’s Mythological Film, Threatens Protests Over Alleged Inaccuracies
Shri Ramlila Mahasangh demands a special pre-release screening of Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film 'Ramayana: Part One' before its Diwali 2026 release. President Arjun Kumar warns of nationwide protests if their request to ensure no religious sentiments are hurt is ignored, citing the 'Adipurush' controversy.
Even before its grand theatrical release, Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic adaptation of the Hindu epic, Ramayana: Part One, has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy. The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, a prominent cultural body, has issued a formal demand to the filmmakers for a special pre-release screening, coupled with a stern warning of widespread protests if their request is not met. Ramanand Sagar’s Grandson Shiv Sagar Reacts to ‘Ramayana’ Trailer, Hopes Ranbir Kapoor Is Accepted As Lord Rama.
Ramlila Body Demands Special Pre-Release Screening of ‘Ramayana’
Arjun Kumar, President of the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, has officially written to director Nitesh Tiwari and the film's production company, seeking an exclusive preview for a delegation representing the Mahasangh and various Ramlila committees. The primary objective, according to Kumar, is to meticulously review the film and ensure it does not contain any scenes or dialogues that could potentially offend Hindu religious sentiments, both in India and globally.
The demand comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the 2023 film Adipurush, which faced significant criticism over its depiction of characters and settings from the Hindu epic. Kumar specifically recalled objections raised by the Sanatan community regarding Adipurush's portrayal of Lanka in black instead of gold, and the appearance of Ravana and his army, which many felt did not align with traditional beliefs.
"According to information received by the Mahasangh, Ramayana may also contain certain scenes that could hurt the sentiments of Hindus living in India and abroad," stated Kumar in a press note.
Threat of Nationwide Protests
The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has explicitly warned that if the filmmakers fail to comply with their request for an advance screening, the organisation, alongside various other Hindu bodies, will stage protests and demonstrations. These planned demonstrations are threatened to take place outside cinema halls across Delhi and other states upon the film's release.
Kumar further voiced concerns about the recently released trailer for Ramayana, describing Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram as "weak" and lacking the traditional gravitas associated with the character.
About Nitesh Tiwari's ‘Ramayana’
Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is an ambitious two-part epic. The film, backed by Namit Malhotra's DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, with distribution for India handled by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and global distribution by Sony Pictures, is reported to have a combined budget of approximately INR 4,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced.
Key Cast:
- Lord Rama: Ranbir Kapoor
- Sita: Sai Pallavi
- Ravana: Yash
- Hanuman: Sunny Deol
- Lakshman: Ravie Dubey
- Dashratha: Arun Govil
- Kaikeyi: Lara Dutta
- Mandodari: Kajal Aggarwal
- Surpanakha: Rakul Preet Singh
- Vidyutjihva: Vivek Oberoi
The film's soundtrack is composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, with action sequences designed by Mad Max action director Guy Norris. Ranbir Kapoor recently confirmed that Ramayana: Part Two is already 50% complete. ‘Ramayana’ Trailer Sparks Memefest: Sai Pallavi, Lara Dutta’s Modern Sarees and Blouses Leave Fans Divided, Say ‘Ekta Kapoor Serial Vibes’.
Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026, specifically on November 8, 2026, with Ramayana: Part Two set to follow in Diwali 2027. The filmmakers have yet to issue an official response to the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh's demands.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 01:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
