These days, from social media to film corridors, there is a lot of discussion about the upcoming new cinematic productions based on the mythological and historical saga of Ramayana. In this episode, a sharp and clear statement of veteran actor Sunil Lahiri, who played the role of Amar Laxman in Ramanand Sagar's cult serial 'Ramayana' aired on Doordarshan, has come out. Sunil Lahiri has expressed his strong displeasure over the songs and music of the recently released 'Ramayanam' film, saying that the songs of this new project have completely spoiled his mood. The actor clearly says that he wants the film to be a huge commercial success at the box office, but there is no real glimpse of the cultural dignity and originality of the ancient Treta Yuga, sacred Ayodhya or Mithila, which is a huge injustice to our eternal history. Sunil Lahiri's sharp statement: Culture is being tampered with in the name of modernity. During a prestigious media interview, when actor Sunil Lahiri was asked a question about the music of the upcoming grand film 'Ramayanam' and the songs filmed in its teaser-trailer, he expressed his opinion without any hesitation. Sunil Lahiri said that when he heard the recent songs of the film, he was extremely disappointed. He argued that when you make any film based on the epics like Lord Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Ramayana, its soul should be rooted in its soil, its civilization and the culture of ancient India. The kind of western tunes and flamboyant styles being imposed by today's modern musicians and filmmakers in the name of cinematic liberty are completely contrary to our traditional beliefs and classical decorum. The fragrance of the soil and traditional uniqueness of Ayodhya and Mithila is missing. In his statement, Sunil Lahiri mainly emphasized that the concept of Ramayana cannot be completed without the splendor of Ayodhya and the decency of Mithila. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram and Mithila, the city of Mother Sita, has had its own unique, sacred and peaceful culture, where simplicity and divinity were reflected in its lifestyle, costumes and music. The actor says that when he listens to the songs of this new era film, he feels like it is a song of a corporate party or a modern club and not the saga of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram of Treta Yuga. He clarified that in the pursuit of modernization of art, the original soul of our mythological heritage is being ignored, which can give a misleading message to the audience and especially to the new generation. Wish for the film's commercial success, but serious questions on creativity Sunil Lahiri may have strongly criticized the songs and music direction, but he showed the maturity of a senior artiste and also said that he sincerely wants this film to become a huge commercial success at the box office and earn record breaking money, as this will give a new expansion to our epics on the global platform. However, he also added that success should not become a license to start twisting any mythology as per your wish. When you bring a sensitive subject like Ramayana on screen, the moral responsibility on the producers increases to fully respect the faith and sentiments of the public. Debate broke out on social media and mixed reactions from the audience. After this statement of Sunil Lahiri came to light, a new and long debate has started on social media platforms. A large section of internet users seem to completely agree with Sunil Lahiri's argument, who believe that the influence of western civilization is being served excessively in today's films. On the other hand, some cine lovers also argue that this film belongs to the era of modern technology and VFX, hence it is being made keeping in mind the preferences of today's young audience. However, these serious questions raised by Laxman of Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayana' have once again forced us to think as to what should be the limits of creative freedom while bringing our religious and cultural history on screen.
