By Pragya Jha
As anticipation builds around Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological film ‘Ramayana: Part One’, the Ramlila Mahasangh has requested a special pre-release screening, saying it wants to ensure the adaptation respects religious sentiments and avoids controversies similar to those that surrounded ‘Adipurush’ (2023).
The request comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding Adipurush, which drew criticism from sections of the audience and religious organisations over its dialogues and creative interpretation of the Ramayana. The backlash led to protests and prompted the filmmakers to revise some of the film’s dialogues after its release.
Ramlila Mahasangh Seeks Preview Screening
Speaking about the film, Ramlila Mahasangh President Arjun Kumar said the organisation supports the project and hopes it reaches a wide audience.”We welcome this film and encourage millions of people to watch it. We will even arrange free screenings for members of the Ramleela Committee,” Kumar said, as quoted by PTI.
However, he said the recently released trailer had raised concerns within the organisation.”The trailer caused us some distress as it lacked the appropriate sentiment that should have been present. The costumes appeared rather odd,” Kumar said, adding that the organisation had requested the filmmakers to screen the film for members of the Ramlila Mahasangh before its release.
According to Kumar, the objective is to review the film and offer suggestions before its theatrical release if any concerns are identified.”If any shortcomings are found, we can offer our input and we would certainly welcome the film,” he said.
Warning Against Repeating the ‘Adipurush’ Controversy
Kumar said the organisation hopes the filmmakers cooperate with its request but warned that it would oppose the film if it believes religious sentiments have been hurt.”However, if the film is released without such a screening, much like Adipurush, and ends up hurting religious sentiments, we warn that we will not allow it to run,” he said.
He added that the decision was taken after consultations with the Ramlila Mahasangh and various Ramleela committees in Delhi, with the objective of ensuring that religious sentiments are respected.
About the Film
The official trailer of ‘Ramayana: Part One’ features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Arun Govil as King Dasharatha. The film is based on the Indian epic Ramayana and depicts key moments including Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction and the conflict between Rama and Ravana.
At the time of writing, director Nitesh Tiwari and the film’s producers had not publicly responded to the Ramlila Mahasangh’s request for a preview screening.
‘Ramayana: Part One’ is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
