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Casting to costumes: Times Ramayana courted controversies before its release

Updated On: 04 November, 2026 07:01 PM IST | Amarylisa Gonsalves

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is all set to hit cinemas on November 5, 2026. However, it must be noted that its journey to the big screen has seen its fair share of heat. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravana, the mythological epic has grabbed eyeballs and sparked debates on multiple occasions. Here's a look at all the controversies Ramayana sparked even before its release.  

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Ramayana controversies. Pic via special arrangements
Ramayana controversies. Pic via special arrangements
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A scene in the song Mangal Rang showed women applying what looked like turmeric to Lord Ram. However, the scene sparked a online debate with many slamming it as a historically inaccurate Haldi ceremony. Meanwhile, others defended it as either a coronation prep (Rajyabhishek).

A scene in the song Mangal Rang showed women applying what looked like turmeric to Lord Ram. However, the scene sparked a online debate with many slamming it as a historically inaccurate Haldi ceremony. Meanwhile, others defended it as either a coronation prep (Rajyabhishek).
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After the public backlash and creative deviations in Adipurush, religious organisations like the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh sent formal notices to makers of Ramayana demanding a pre-release screening for Hindu groups and Ramlila committees.

After the public backlash and creative deviations in Adipurush, religious organisations like the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh sent formal notices to makers of Ramayana demanding a pre-release screening for Hindu groups and Ramlila committees.
04
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra commented about the characterisation and casting of Ravana, which many considered to be sympathetic or culturally inaccurate to the antagonist's mythological depiction. He eventually issued a public apology.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra commented about the characterisation and casting of Ravana, which many considered to be sympathetic or culturally inaccurate to the antagonist's mythological depiction. He eventually issued a public apology.
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Ranbir Kapoor's casting as Lord Ram triggered intense backlash from section of people. Internet users even dug up a 2011 interview where the actor called himself as a "big beef fan," which led to critics arguing about his personal dietary choices making him culturally inappropriate to portray a revered Hindu deity.
Ranbir Kapoor's casting as Lord Ram triggered intense backlash from section of people. Internet users even dug up a 2011 interview where the actor called himself as a "big beef fan," which led to critics arguing about his personal dietary choices making him culturally inappropriate to portray a revered Hindu deity.
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Ramayana also faced questions over intellectual property rights. Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP had issued a public notice claiming ownership of the script and related material linked to the project.
Ramayana also faced questions over intellectual property rights. Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP had issued a public notice claiming ownership of the script and related material linked to the project.
07
The promotional trailers attracted widespread criticism for heavy, unconvincing CGI and green-screen usage. Many even claimed that the production used artificial intelligence (AI) angering fans who expected higher-quality practical filmmaking for the massive budget.
The promotional trailers attracted widespread criticism for heavy, unconvincing CGI and green-screen usage. Many even claimed that the production used artificial intelligence (AI) angering fans who expected higher-quality practical filmmaking for the massive budget.
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The trailer of Ramayana led to massive criticism over the looks and costumes of the characters.  Critics slammed the overly modern and stylized outfits, especially since the narrative is supposed to take place in the ancient Treta Yuga era.
The trailer of Ramayana led to massive criticism over the looks and costumes of the characters.  Critics slammed the overly modern and stylized outfits, especially since the narrative is supposed to take place in the ancient Treta Yuga era.
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The film's music, composed by AR Rahman, has faced severe criticism online after the sonds were released. Particularly, the song Mangal Rang, which celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, faced backlash for its Sufi influences and qawwali-style elements.
The film's music, composed by AR Rahman, has faced severe criticism online after the sonds were released. Particularly, the song Mangal Rang, which celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, faced backlash for its Sufi influences and qawwali-style elements. 
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The producers approached the Bombay High Court for legal intervention after the film faced unauthorized leaks of raw footage. Portions of the highly guarded sets were recorded illegally and circulated across social media, forcing the court to protect the film's proprietary content.

The producers approached the Bombay High Court for legal intervention after the film faced unauthorized leaks of raw footage. Portions of the highly guarded sets were recorded illegally and circulated across social media, forcing the court to protect the film's proprietary content.
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Sai Pallavi's casting as Goddess Sita also faced immense scrutiny. Many argued about her look not matching their idealized look of the deity. Additionally, an old interview os Sai resurfaced where she made statements comparing religious violence to military or political conflicts.
Sai Pallavi's casting as Goddess Sita also faced immense scrutiny. Many argued about her look not matching their idealized look of the deity. Additionally, an old interview os Sai resurfaced where she made statements comparing religious violence to military or political conflicts.

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