Anticipation around director Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming cinematic interpretation of Ramayana continues to stir discussion across the entertainment landscape. Headlined by an ensemble featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, and Yash in central roles, the ambitious cinematic venture is designed as a two-part global release. According to the rollout plan, the debut chapter is scheduled to reach global cinema screens in October 2026 ahead of Diwali, while the subsequent concluding segment will premiere during the Diwali festive window of 2027. Following the reveal of the film's promotional preview approximately two months ago, viewers and industry watchers actively debated the visual effects and stylistic handling of the characters. While the visual scale drew admiration in several quarters, critical voices emerged regarding the creative treatment. Adding his voice to this discourse, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has now sharply criticised the stunt sequences and the heavy reliance on modern special effects.
Concerns Over Altering the Dignified Demeanour of Lord Ram
Speaking on a chat show hosted by Bollywood Now, Mukesh Khanna voiced strong disapproval regarding how the action sequences have been conceived by Nitesh Tiwari and his creative unit. The actor argued that presenting Lord Ram as a high-octane action protagonist strips away the quiet dignity and restraint central to the venerated Maryada Purushottam identity. Khanna emphasised that visual spectacles and technological showmanship cannot substitute for the emotional reverence that audiences associate with this sacred narrative, noting that Indian cultural tradition holds Lord Ram as a figure of deep spiritual attachment rather than cinematic bravado.
Elaborating on his critique, Khanna referenced his understanding from reading scripture and watching traditional Ramlila performances over decades. While acknowledging that Lord Ram was historically revered as a supreme archer and an avatar of the divine, he maintained that the visual treatment depicted in modern fight sequences feels entirely foreign to tradition. Khanna remarked that the character has been treated like a modern commercial action icon reminiscent of Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, or Rajinikanth. He observed that the traditional perception of Lord Ram does not involve leaping across tree branches to fire arrows, cautioning against such creative departures.
Critique of Western Stylisation and International Audiences
Continuing his reflections, the veteran performer contended that the portrayal resembles Hollywood action figures, drawing a comparison to Clint Eastwood. He reiterated his skepticism regarding the over-dependence on digital visual enhancements, urging filmmakers to recognise cultural boundaries. Addressing the makers' intentions to stage a worldwide release, Khanna pointed out a critical distinction between domestic and overseas spectators, observing that audiences abroad do not carry an innate cultural or devotional image of Lord Ram.
Khanna noted that international moviegoers might simply treat the production on par with Hollywood science-fiction franchises like Star Wars. Because of that perceptual gap, he stressed that when showcasing this story in India, it must be framed through an authentic lens of faith and reverence. He asserted that while international markets may focus purely on visual thrills, presenting Lord Ram before Indian audiences demands uncompromised dignity, prestige, and cultural respect.
Massive Production Scale Exceeding 4,000 Crore Rupees
Addressing the production magnitude from the creators' side, Ramayana represents one of the largest financial commitments in cinematic history. Producer Namit Malhotra shared insights into the development process, recalling that when initial planning began six or seven years ago, observers questioned the feasibility of the project because Indian cinema had never attempted a production on such a monumental scale.
Outlining the financial parameters, Malhotra explained that the combined production budget across both installments stands around 500 million dollars, translating to more than 4,000 crore rupees. The producer asserted that the team is dedicated to constructing the largest possible film around one of humanity's greatest epics for global viewership. Malhotra maintained that the production pipeline is being executed with greater efficiency and discipline than many top-tier Hollywood studio efforts, affirming that while the team is pursuing grand cinematic ambitions, the approach remains firmly grounded and responsible.
