# Ramayana: Part 1 Review (2026): Indira Krishnan Opens Up About Sita Holding a Sword and Playing Kausalya

> Indira Krishnan shares her initial surprise at seeing Sai Pallavi as a warrior Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 and discusses her role as Kausalya.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Bollywood · **Published:** 2026-11-10 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bollywood/ramayana-part-1-review-2026-indira-krishnan-sita-kausalya-58730 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Ramayana Part 1, Indira Krishnan, Sai Pallavi, Nitesh Tiwari, Kausalya, Bollywood News

Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious directorial venture Ramayana: Part 1 has remained a major topic of conversation ever since its theatrical release. Audiences have been actively sharing their perspectives on the portrayals delivered by Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. In particular, Sai Pallavi's rendition of Sita has successfully captured widespread attention. Within the narrative, Sita is not merely depicted as a quiet, forgiving figure defined by sacrifice; instead, she is also seen wielding a sword to actively defend against adversaries. This fierce avatar has left numerous viewers astonished, triggering lively debates across digital platforms. Joining the discourse, actress Indira Krishnan, who essays the role of Kausalya in the project, has now voiced her thoughts. She acknowledged that she was initially taken aback by this bold depiction of Sita, yet she firmly defended the creative rationale adopted by the filmmakers.

## A Warrior Persona Unlike Childhood Memories
During an interaction, Indira Krishnan spoke candidly about Sai Pallavi's performance and character arc. She recalled that growing up while watching earlier adaptations of the epic, she never once envisioned Sita in the capacity of a warrior. This background made the cinematic version stand out distinctly from legacy television broadcasts. The actress noted that she resonates with the audience reactions, explaining that it took a moment to process because it defied what she had traditionally witnessed on screen. She admitted that she initially struggled to connect with that specific sequence since it broke away from historical television depictions.

## The Creative Vision Behind Female Strength
Despite the initial surprise, Indira elaborated on the deeper intent behind this creative choice. She explained that the creators wanted to emphasize that Sita was far from weak, originating instead from a lineage of warriors where young women were imparted training in martial arts and weaponry. This particular sequence was designed to bring forth her underlying courage and valor. According to Indira, this approach extended beyond the central protagonist, ensuring that all female characters possessed distinct identities and inner fortitude. The production team intentionally avoided reducing women strictly to traditional roles of mothers, wives, or sisters, aiming instead to highlight their individual personalities.

## Expanding the Depths of Kausalya and Other Women
Discussing her own casting, Indira shared that the makers were clear from the outset that Kausalya should not be portrayed as a perpetually mournful or helpless mother. While the character is deeply emotional, she simultaneously projects immense confidence and inner strength. She also drew attention to Kaikasī, the mother of Ravana, noting that older television versions afforded very little screen space to her, leaving audiences unaware that she was a skilled fighter in her own right. Shobana executed this role brilliantly on screen. Mentioning Shurpanakha, she added that the character took pride in being Ravana's sibling and only faltered emotionally upon encountering Rama.

## Screen Time and Fulfillment of Promises
Addressing questions regarding Kausalya's screen time, Indira expressed that the narrative of Rama remains incomplete without his mother. The film reinforces this connection by addressing Rama as Kausalya Nandan Rama. Even in sequences where Kausalya is physically absent, her invisible influence lingers, particularly during tense exchanges between Kaikeyi and Manthara. While acknowledging that every performer naturally desires extended screen presence, she expressed contentment that none of her filmed scenes were discarded on the cutting room floor. She credited director Nitesh Tiwari for keeping his promise that Kausalya would remain an integral part of the frame until Rama's departure from Ayodhya.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Is Ramayana: Part 1 worth watching?
Yes, it is worth watching for its fresh and bold narrative perspective.

### 2. Which role does Indira Krishnan play in the film?
Indira Krishnan plays the role of Rama's mother, Kausalya, in the film.

### 3. What is new about Sita's character in the film?
Sita is depicted not just as a passive figure of sacrifice but as a warrior holding a sword and fighting adversaries.

### 4. Who directed Ramayana: Part 1?
The film has been directed by Nitesh Tiwari.

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