Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Faces Fresh Trouble? Delhi Ramlila Body Demands Pre-Release Screening, Warns of Protests…

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy even before its theatrical release. The highly anticipated mythological epic, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, has drawn objections from a prominent Delhi Ramlila organisation, which has demanded that the makers arrange a special screening before the film reaches cinemas.

The demand comes shortly after the release of the film’s official trailer, with the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh expressing concerns over the way certain characters, costumes and scenes appear to have been presented.

The organisation, which represents several established Ramlila committees in Old Delhi, has reportedly warned that protests could be organised outside cinema halls in Delhi and other parts of the country if its request for a pre-release screening is not considered.

Why Is Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Facing Objections?

According to Arjun Kumar, president of the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh and the Lav Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort grounds, the organisation has serious reservations about the trailer’s depiction of Lord Ram.

Kumar questioned whether the emotional portrayal shown in the trailer reflects the dignity traditionally associated with the character.

He also objected to the costumes used for the characters, arguing that organisations that have been staging the Ramayana for decades should have their concerns heard before the film is released.

The controversy is particularly sensitive because Ramayana is not merely viewed as another cinematic story by millions of people. Its characters and events hold deep religious and cultural significance for audiences in India and across the world.

Ramlila Organisers Recall Adipurush Controversy

The latest demand has also brought back memories of the controversy surrounding Adipurush, the 2023 film based on the Ramayana, which faced heavy criticism over its visual treatment, costumes and interpretation of characters.

The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has reportedly cited that experience while explaining why it wants to watch Tiwari’s film before its theatrical release.

According to Kumar, the organisation does not want to act as a censor body. Instead, its stated objective is to ensure that a film based on one of India’s most revered epics does not create avoidable controversy after release.

He also argued that repeated failures or controversies involving films based on the Ramayana could send a negative message because such productions reach audiences far beyond India.

Questions Over Ranbir Kapoor’s Portrayal of Lord Ram

One of the sharper objections raised by Kumar concerns Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram.

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The Ramlila leader questioned certain emotional moments shown in the trailer, particularly scenes that appear to show Lord Ram expressing anger and making a pledge to defeat an opponent.

Kumar also referred to Kapoor’s appearance in a commercial promoting real estate in Ayodhya, drawing a comparison between the actor’s commercial association with the city and his portrayal of Lord Ram in the film.

The remarks have added another layer to what was already expected to be one of the biggest and most closely watched Indian films.

A Massive Film Under Greater Scrutiny

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana has generated enormous interest because of its scale, star cast and subject.

With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi portraying Sita, expectations surrounding the project are exceptionally high. The film’s presentation will inevitably be examined closely by both moviegoers and religious and cultural groups.

For the filmmakers, the challenge is therefore bigger than simply delivering a visually spectacular mythological film. They must also navigate the expectations of audiences who have grown up with different versions of the epic through Ramlilas, television serials, literature and family traditions.

Will the Makers Agree to a Pre-Release Screening?

At present, the filmmakers’ public relations team has reportedly not issued an official response to the demand for an exclusive screening.

That leaves a key question hanging over the film’s release: Will the makers agree to show Ramayana to the Ramlila representatives before its theatrical debut?

For now, the demand has added another unexpected twist to one of the most eagerly awaited Indian cinematic projects. Whether the issue remains a request for dialogue or develops into a larger protest will likely depend on how the filmmakers respond in the coming days.

One thing is already clear — Ramayana will arrive in cinemas under an extraordinary level of public attention, and every creative decision surrounding Lord Ram’s portrayal is likely to be watched closely.