Ramlila Mahasangh warns Ramayana Part 1 makers

Body seeks special screening before Diwali release, warns of protests if concerns over religious sentiments are not addressed

What the Mahasangh wants

1. Special preview screening of Ramayana before its theatrical release in India and overseas
2. Screening for a delegation of the Shri Ramlila Mahasangh before the Diwali release
3. Review the film for scenes or dialogues that may hurt Hindu religious sentiments
4. Remove objectionable content, if any, before the film reaches theatres
5. Ensure an accurate portrayal of the Ramayana in line with traditional beliefs
6. Avoid a repeat of the Adipurush controversy, which the organisation says hurt religious sentiments

Warning: If the request is not accepted, the Mahasangh, along with other Hindu organisations, has said it will stage protests outside cinema halls in Delhi and other states after the film’s release

Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has sought a special preview screening of Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, ahead of its worldwide theatrical release, citing concerns over possible inaccuracies in the portrayal of the Hindu epic similar to those raised against Adipurush (2023).

According to a press note issued by the Mahasangh, its president, Arjun Kumar, has written to director Nitesh Tiwari and the film’s production house, requesting that a delegation from the organisation be allowed to watch the film before its Diwali release in India and overseas.

In the letter, Kumar referred to the controversy surrounding Adipurush, stating that members of the Sanatan community and those associated with traditional Ramlila performances had objected to several creative choices in the film after its release.

Among the objections, the Mahasangh highlighted the depiction of Lanka in black instead of gold and the portrayal of Ravana and his army in a manner that, it claimed, did not align with traditional beliefs. The organisation also said the controversy affected the film’s box office performance.

According to the press note, the Mahasangh has received information suggesting that Ramayana may contain certain scenes that could hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus in India and abroad. It has therefore requested a special preview screening so that any potentially objectionable scenes or dialogues can be identified and removed before the film’s release. The Mahasangh has also warned that if the filmmakers do not arrange the requested screening, it, along with various Hindu organisations, will stage protests and demonstrations outside cinema halls in Delhi and other states after the film’s release.

The Free Press Journal reached out to the makers of Ramayana, but had not received a response at the time of going to press.