‘Ramayana’ faces backlash over Sita’s action scenes:Viewers allege distortion of scriptures, makers defend portrayal as a warrior princess

The action scene featuring Mata Sita in the film ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ has sparked controversy following its release. In one scene, actress Sai Pallavi (Sita) is shown fighting alongside Lord Ram (Ranbir Kapoor) against Khar and Dushan’s army of 14,000 demons. Viewers have criticised the scene, calling it a distortion of the facts in the Valmiki Ramayana. Meanwhile, the makers and the director said during the premiere held in Los Angeles that the scene was inspired by the ‘Adbhut Ramayana’. Viewers object to the Khar-Dushan war scene Many social media users have strongly objected to this scene in the film. Viewers say that, according to mythological scriptures and the Valmiki Ramayana, Lord Ram alone fought the 14,000-strong demon army of Khara and Dushan in Panchavati. Before the battle began, Shri Ram sent Mata Sita to a safe place with Lakshman for her protection. Viewers have questioned the film’s portrayal of Mata Sita picking up weapons and fighting in the battle. Accused of ‘tampering with scriptures’ Users on online platforms are describing the scene as a distorted portrayal of the scriptures. Critics argue that Mata Sita did not take part in any battle during the 14 years of exile. After the incident in which Surpanakha’s nose was cut off, only Ram and Lakshman fought the demons. Many users accused the makers of altering the original story in the name of cinematic liberty. Sita portrayed as a warrior princess Speaking to the international media in Los Angeles about the controversy, director Nitesh Tiwari clarified the situation. He said the team had been fully cautious about which characters could not be altered. Nitesh Tiwari said that Lord Ram’s divine form had not been altered at all. Meanwhile, inspiration was drawn from the text Adbhuta Ramayana to portray Mother Sita as a warrior; in it, she is depicted as a warrior princess. Ranbir and Yash’s acting praised The film ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’ is receiving international acclaim for its grandeur, visual effects and visual scale. Viewers are widely appreciating the performances of Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the film, and South star Yash, who portrays Ravana.