The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has warned the makers of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana that it will stage protests outside theatres across India if the film is not first screened for its members.
In a formal letter sent to the film’s producers, the organization’s president Arjun Kumar requested an exclusive preview for a delegation representing the Mahasangh. The group says it wants to review the film before its Diwali release to ensure it does not hurt Hindu religious sentiments
The warning comes as anticipation builds for Ramayana, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The two-part epic is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made and is scheduled to release in theatres on Diwali this year, with part two arriving next year.
According to the letter, the Mahasangh is acting out of caution after the backlash faced by Adipurush in 2023. That film, also based on the Ramayana and produced by T-Series, drew widespread criticism for its visual treatment, costumes, dialogues and depiction of key characters.
Kumar reportedly cited specific objections raised during Adipurush, including Lanka being shown in black instead of gold, and the portrayal of Ravana and his army, which many viewers felt did not match traditional descriptions from scriptures and Ramlila performances.
“The backlash affected the film’s box-office performance and, more importantly, hurt the sentiments of the Sanatan community,” the letter stated
The Mahasangh claims it has received information suggesting that Tiwari’s Ramayana could include scenes that may be objectionable to Hindus.
To avoid a repeat of the Adipurush controversy, the organization has asked for a special preview so that any problematic scenes or dialogues can be flagged and, if necessary, removed before the theatrical release.
“We are not against cinema,” Kumar reportedly wrote. “But when a story as sacred as the Ramayana is brought to the screen, it must be treated with respect for faith and tradition.”
The letter warned that if the makers do not agree to the requested screening, the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, along with other Hindu organizations, will protest outside cinema halls when the film releases.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has been one of the most talked-about projects in Bollywood for the last two years. The scale is massive, with extensive VFX work and an ensemble cast that also includes Ravi Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil and Lara Dutta.
The makers recently released the first trailer, which gave audiences a glimpse of the film’s visual world. While many praised the scale and Ranbir Kapoor’s look as Lord Ram, some viewers on social media also questioned the costume designs, saying they appeared too modern for the period in which the epic is set.
The reference to Adipurush is key to understanding the Mahasangh’s position. The Prabhas, Kriti Sanon and Saif Ali Khan starrer was meant to be a grand retelling of the Ramayana but became mired in controversy soon after release.
Critics and religious groups objected to the language used by characters, the design of Ravana’s Lanka, and certain action sequences. The film underperformed relative to expectations and sparked a wider debate about how Hindu epics should be adapted for mainstream cinema.
The Mahasangh says it wants to prevent a similar situation. “We represent people who have been performing Ramlila for generations,” Kumar said in the letter. “We understand the story, the symbols, and what matters to devotees.”
As of now, the makers of Ramayana have not publicly responded to the Mahasangh’s demand. The production team has been focused on post-production and promotion ahead of the Diwali release.
The demand puts them in a difficult position. Agreeing to a private screening for a religious body could set a precedent. Refusing could invite protests and negative publicity just weeks before release.
Industry observers note that religious sentiment has become a major factor in how big mythological films are received. With social media amplifying every frame and dialogue, studios are now more cautious than ever.
Ramayana is being positioned as a landmark film for Indian cinema. With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana, expectations are sky-high both in India and among the global Indian diaspora.
The Mahasangh’s intervention adds another layer to that. Whether the producers agree to a special screening or not, the episode highlights the tightrope filmmakers walk when adapting sacred texts.
For now, fans are waiting to see if the film will get a preview for religious leaders, or if Diwali will bring protests outside theatres instead of celebrations.
One thing is clear: with a story as revered as the Ramayana, every creative choice will be watched closely — by audiences, by critics, and now by organizations like the Ramlila Mahasangh who see themselves as guardians of the epic’s legacy.
