New Delhi .Director Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited film 'Ramayana' has been released in theaters on 5 November 2026. Starring big actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, this film has been made on a grand scale. In the film, Ranbir Kapoor is playing the role of Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi is playing the role of Mata Sita and Yash is playing the role of Ravana. There was a lot of curiosity about this film, which is being made with a budget of around Rs 4,000 crore, before its release. However, its discussion was not limited only to the big budget and actors. The film also faced many controversies.
First of all, questions were raised on the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram. His statement regarding eating beef in an old interview from 2011 was re-shared on social media. In this, Ranbir had said that he likes mutton, paya and beef. After this, some people raised objection about playing a religious character. There was debate about his image even after the discussion of adopting a virtuous lifestyle for the film and the release of videos of the family's Christmas celebration.
The selection of Sai Pallavi for the role of Mother Sita was also not untouched by controversies. Questions were raised on her make-up, hairstyle, screen presence and style of speaking Hindi. Some viewers described her look as different from the traditional image of Mata Sita. Objections were also raised regarding the design of the blouse in her dress. Costume designer Rimple had clarified that her aim was not to exactly copy any historical period, but to present her imagination of Mata Sita on screen. An old interview of Sai Pallavi also came into discussion, in which she had expressed her opinion on violence and political-military conflicts. After this some people opposed his casting.
Kareena Kapoor Khan's name was also in discussion earlier regarding the role of Sita. Reports claimed that he had asked for double the normal fee for this role. However, Kareena later rejected these claims and said that she was never the first choice for this film.
Lara Dutta's look in the role of Kaikeyi also became a subject of debate among the audience. Some people objected to her modern hairstyle seen in the trailer with maroon saree, golden border and green blouse. A section of the audience was not considering it as befitting the queen of Tretayug.
Different reactions also emerged regarding the music of the film. AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer have jointly composed its music. Questions were raised on the glimpse of Sufi and Qawwali style in 'Mangal Rang' and the use of electronic music in 'Raavan Tandav'. In response to the criticism, Rahman had said that it is not possible to please everyone.
After the release of the promotional video of the film, the discussion on the quality of VFX also intensified. Some viewers praised the jungle scenes, Ravana's entry and the depiction of the Pushpak Vimana, while others described the visual effects as artificial. Some people even called these scenes created by AI. In response, behind-the-scenes videos related to the film's production were released. Ranbir had said that the audience sometimes mistakes the painstakingly created CGI as AI. Producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari had also told that the VFX work in the initial trailer was not completed. Yash had appealed to the audience to watch the film with an open mind.
An old statement of casting director Mukesh Chhabra also became a cause of controversy. During a podcast in the year 2024, he had explained some of Ravana's actions by linking them to his love for his sister Shurpanakha. Displeasure was expressed over this comment. He later apologized and said that he did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiments.
Controversy also arose regarding the film's script and intellectual property rights. Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP had issued a public notice claiming ownership of the script and related material of the Ramayana project. According to the company, there were talks with Prime Focus Technologies regarding the rights, but no final agreement was reached until April 2024.
In November 2026, the matter of leaking of the film's footage reached the Bombay High Court. Godpower Media Pvt Ltd alleged that videos recorded during the restricted screening were circulated online despite confidentiality agreements. The company sought to stop recording and distribution without permission. The court issued an interim order banning unauthorized recording, hosting, distribution and streaming of the film.
Additionally, some religious organizations had demanded a special screening of the film before its release. Ramlila Mahasangh President Arjun Kumar had written a letter to the director requesting him to organize the screening for representatives of Hindu organizations and Ramlila committees. The controversy regarding 'Adipurush' released in 2023 was also mentioned behind this demand. In view of the questions raised earlier on the dialogues and depiction of religious characters in the film, the organizations had demanded special vigilance this time.
In this way, 'Ramayana' had to face criticism before its release on many issues related to the choice of actors, presentation of religious characters, music, technology and rights. Now the audience's reaction to this film, which has reached the theaters on November 5, and its presentation on the big screen is at the center of discussion.