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Shri Ramlila Mahasangh Demands Preview Screening of Ranbir Kapoors Ramayana Ahead of Diwali Release
The upcoming mythological epic Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, has attracted a new controversy before its theatrical debut. According to reports, the president of the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, Arjun Kumar, has written a formal letter to the film’s makers requesting a special preview screening of the movie.
Kumar said the request stems from concerns that the film could contain scenes or dialogue that might hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus in India and abroad. He added that the Mahasangh supports the release of the film but wants to ensure that the narrative remains faithful to the original epic. The letter, which was addressed to director Nitesh Tiwari and the production company, was sent after the release of the film’s trailer, which the Mahasangh said “lacked the appropriate sentiment that should have been present” and featured costumes he described as “odd.” The organisation has offered to arrange free screenings for members of the Ramleela Committee.
Kumar warned that if the film is released without a preview screening and is found to contain inaccuracies, the Mahasangh will stage protests and demonstrations outside cinema halls in various cities during its release. He said the organisation would not allow the film to run if it “hurts religious sentiments,” a stance that echoes the Mahasangh’s earlier warning to the makers of Adipurush.
The Adipurush controversy in 2023, which saw the film face widespread criticism for its depiction of Lanka as a black kingdom instead of the traditionally described golden realm, is cited by Kumar as a precedent. He said that the creative liberties taken in that film contributed to its poor reception at the box office.
Ramayana is scheduled to be released in two parts, with the first instalment slated for Diwali 2026 and the second part expected around the same festive period in 2027. The film’s cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Yash, who also co‑produces the film, as Ravana.
The request for a preview screening is part of a broader pattern of religious organisations in India seeking to review media portrayals of sacred narratives before public release. The Mahasangh’s letter is the latest example of such engagement, reflecting the sensitivity that surrounds adaptations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The film’s production company has not yet issued a response to the Mahasangh’s request. Industry observers note that a preview screening could delay the release schedule, but the company has not indicated any changes to the planned Diwali launch.
The controversy highlights the challenges that filmmakers face when adapting revered epics for a contemporary audience. While the Mahasangh’s concerns focus on potential religious offense, the film’s makers have expressed confidence in their portrayal of the epic’s characters and events. The outcome of the Mahasangh’s request remains uncertain, and the film’s release is still scheduled for the upcoming Diwali season.
In the meantime, the film’s production team continues to promote the project through trailers and promotional events. The industry will be watching closely to see whether a preview screening is granted and how the film’s release proceeds amid the Mahasangh’s warnings.
The situation underscores the ongoing dialogue between religious bodies and the entertainment industry in India, as well as the importance of cultural sensitivity in large‑scale cinematic projects.
Kumar said the request stems from concerns that the film could contain scenes or dialogue that might hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus in India and abroad. He added that the Mahasangh supports the release of the film but wants to ensure that the narrative remains faithful to the original epic. The letter, which was addressed to director Nitesh Tiwari and the production company, was sent after the release of the film’s trailer, which the Mahasangh said “lacked the appropriate sentiment that should have been present” and featured costumes he described as “odd.” The organisation has offered to arrange free screenings for members of the Ramleela Committee.
Kumar warned that if the film is released without a preview screening and is found to contain inaccuracies, the Mahasangh will stage protests and demonstrations outside cinema halls in various cities during its release. He said the organisation would not allow the film to run if it “hurts religious sentiments,” a stance that echoes the Mahasangh’s earlier warning to the makers of Adipurush.
The Adipurush controversy in 2023, which saw the film face widespread criticism for its depiction of Lanka as a black kingdom instead of the traditionally described golden realm, is cited by Kumar as a precedent. He said that the creative liberties taken in that film contributed to its poor reception at the box office.
Ramayana is scheduled to be released in two parts, with the first instalment slated for Diwali 2026 and the second part expected around the same festive period in 2027. The film’s cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Yash, who also co‑produces the film, as Ravana.
The request for a preview screening is part of a broader pattern of religious organisations in India seeking to review media portrayals of sacred narratives before public release. The Mahasangh’s letter is the latest example of such engagement, reflecting the sensitivity that surrounds adaptations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The film’s production company has not yet issued a response to the Mahasangh’s request. Industry observers note that a preview screening could delay the release schedule, but the company has not indicated any changes to the planned Diwali launch.
The controversy highlights the challenges that filmmakers face when adapting revered epics for a contemporary audience. While the Mahasangh’s concerns focus on potential religious offense, the film’s makers have expressed confidence in their portrayal of the epic’s characters and events. The outcome of the Mahasangh’s request remains uncertain, and the film’s release is still scheduled for the upcoming Diwali season.
In the meantime, the film’s production team continues to promote the project through trailers and promotional events. The industry will be watching closely to see whether a preview screening is granted and how the film’s release proceeds amid the Mahasangh’s warnings.
The situation underscores the ongoing dialogue between religious bodies and the entertainment industry in India, as well as the importance of cultural sensitivity in large‑scale cinematic projects.
