After the disappointment of Adipurush, expectations are sky-high for Bollywood’s next mythological epic — Ramayana, directed by Nitish Tiwari and featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the iconic roles of Lord Rama and Sita.
The failure of Adipurush left a lasting scar. Despite big names and massive promotion, the film suffered from poor animation, video game-like visuals, and unnecessary creative liberties. Directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas, the film was criticized for being a controversial and unfaithful adaptation of the sacred epic. Religious groups condemned it, audiences were disappointed, and the film ended up as one of the most heavily trolled movies in recent years.
Naturally, all attention has now shifted to Ramayana, which faces a unique challenge — to win back public trust and do justice to a story deeply rooted in Indian culture.
Director Nitish Tiwari, known for critically acclaimed films like Dangal, now carries the responsibility of retelling the Ramayana in a respectful and emotionally powerful way. The film’s massive budget, casting choices, and multi-language release plans mark it as one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema.
The cast includes:
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Yash as Ravana
Sunny Deol as Hanuman
Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi
Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha
Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra
The film will be released in two parts, with the first part scheduled for Diwali next year.
However, after the Adipurush backlash, the Ramayana team must be cautious. The audience expects authentic storytelling, high-quality visuals, and respect for the original epic. Promotional material, from teaser to trailer, will play a crucial role in shaping public perception.
If Bollywood wants to restore faith in mythological cinema, Ramayana must be more than just a visual spectacle — it must carry the spiritual and emotional weight the story demands.
Will Ramayana deliver what Adipurush couldn’t? Only time will tell, but the pressure is real — and this time, the audience won’t forgive another misstep.
