Ramayana Director Is Too Late To Defend Sai Pallavi

The first part of Ramayana arrived in theatres on November 5 and is receiving a strong response at the box office. But right from the start, Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita became one of the most discussed aspects of the film. While many fans appreciate her acting, several viewers raised questions about her appearance, voice and characterisation.

Some viewers felt that Sai Pallavi did not perfectly fit the role of Sita. Others said that her voice did not suit the character. The biggest criticism came over the director ‘s decision to show Sita performing action sequences. Many viewers questioned why the makers presented Sita as a warrior who fights enemies.

The criticism also reached director Nitesh Tiwari. Several people felt that his team could have handled Sita’s character differently. However, the director has now responded to the debate and explained the reason behind this portrayal.

In an interview, Nitesh Tiwari revealed that he took inspiration from lesser-known versions of the Ramayana. He specifically mentioned the Sanskrit text Adbhuta Ramayana and the 15th-century Odia version Bilanka Ramayana.

He said that these versions present Sita in a powerful form. They do not show her only as a woman who faces hardships. Instead, they describe her as a warrior and an embodiment of divine power.

Nitesh Tiwari explained that these stories describe how Sita takes the fierce form of Mahakali and defeats Sahasra Ravana, a thousand-headed demon king. She fights the demon when Rama cannot continue the battle. The director also said that the warrior version of Sita does not come only from modern ideas of feminism. Different versions of the epic have already presented her with such powerful qualities.

Nitesh Tiwari’s explanation may have clarified his vision behind Sai Pallavi’s warrior Sita, but the response has come quite late. By now, the actress has already faced considerable criticism and trolling on social media for these fight scenes as well. 

The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana.