The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has written to director Nitesh Tiwari, urging a pre‑release preview of the upcoming film ‘Ramayana’. The group warns of protests across Delhi and other states if the request is ignored, citing concerns over possible hurt to Hindu sentiments.

Key Takeaways

  • Shri Ramlila Mahasangh demands a pre‑screening of the film ‘Ramayana’.
  • The group fears scenes that could offend Hindu sentiments.
  • Potential protests in Delhi and other states if the demand is rejected.

New Delhi: The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has sent an official letter to director Nitesh Tiwari and his production house, requesting a special preview screening before the film’s worldwide theatrical release scheduled for Diwali 2026. President Arjun Kumar said the move is to ensure the movie does not contain any scenes that could hurt Hindu sentiments.

The demand follows the backlash against the 2023 film ‘Adipurush’, where depictions such as a black‑colored Lanka and a non‑traditional portrayal of Ravana sparked outrage among Sanatan groups. Kumar recalled, “Adipurush showed Lanka in black instead of gold, and the representation of Ravana did not align with traditional beliefs.” He warned that similar concerns have been raised about ‘Ramayana’.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that films based on religious epics often become flashpoints for social tension, and a pre‑screening process can help mitigate potential protests. This approach could set a precedent for balancing cultural responsibility with commercial interests.

“Depicting sacred texts on screen is a delicate task; a preview screening can significantly reduce the risk of backlash,” says Prof. Anshu Mishra, Department of History, Delhi University.
Did You Know?: The music for ‘Ramayana’ is being co‑composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, marking the first such collaboration in Indian cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Will the screening lead to removal of all contentious scenes?

Answer: If objectionable content is identified during the preview, the filmmakers may choose to edit or cut those portions.

Question 2: Which groups are likely to join protests if the request is denied?

Answer: Apart from Delhi, several Hindu organizations across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have signaled they would participate in demonstrations.