Sai Pallavi’s Sita fight scene sparks controversy: Mukesh Khanna slams Ramayana makers, Nitesh Tiwari responds
Mukesh Khanna has criticised Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Mata Sita as a warrior in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Find out why the actor objected to the fight scene, what director Nitesh Tiwari said about the Adbhuta Ramayana reference, and how the controversy has sparked debate among viewers.
The portrayal of Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has sparked a debate on social media. The controversy revolves around a fight sequence in which Sita is shown picking up weapons and fighting demons. While several viewers have questioned this creative decision, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has strongly criticised the scene, claiming that it does not match the description of Sita in Valmiki’s Ramayana. Director Nitesh Tiwari, however, has explained the inspiration behind the sequence.
Mukesh Khanna Questions Sita’s Warrior PortrayalIn his latest vlog, the Shaktimaan actor questioned the filmmakers for showing Mata Sita performing action sequences. He argued that Valmiki’s Ramayana does not describe Sita as a warrior.
Expressing his disappointment, Khanna said, “Kya humare sabse bade epic Ramayana aur Mahabharat se chhed chaad karna, subtract ya add karna, apni kalpana ko us film mein dalna kya ye chhed chaad jayaz hai?"
He also questioned the filmmakers' focus on recovering the film's reported Rs 4,000 crore budget instead of maintaining the authenticity of the epic.
Talking about Sita's fight sequence, he said, “Kya aap andaza laga sakate hai ki Sita Mata Rani Jhansi ki tarah fight kar rahi hai ya aajkal ki heroines jo macho ban jaati hai? Maine Valmiki ji ki Ramayan padhi. Usmein kahin bhi aisa nahi likha hai ki Sita ji ne kabhi bhi jaakar fight ki hai. Woh ek Maryada Purushottam ki patni thi jinhone ne seva bhav dikhaya hai. Woh fighter nahi thi. Agar woh fighter hoti toh woh Raavan se fight karti. Kyun Raavan unhe chup chap pakad ke le gaye."
Khanna Questions Producer Namit MalhotraMukesh Khanna also expressed shock over producer Namit Malhotra's explanation that the sequence was inspired by the Adbhuta Ramayana and not Valmiki's version.
He questioned why filmmakers were introducing their own interpretations into religious epics and said, “Stop putting your own narrative in the Ramayana of Valmiki. Sharam aani chahiye aapko."
What Did Director Nitesh Tiwari Say?Amid the controversy, director Nitesh Tiwari addressed the issue while speaking to international media in Los Angeles. He clarified that the makers had been careful about the portrayal of important characters.
According to Tiwari, Lord Ram's divine form has not been changed. However, the team took inspiration from the Adbhuta Ramayana, which portrays Mata Sita as a warrior princess. This was the basis for including the action sequence in the film.
Sai Pallavi Explains the Fight SequenceSai Pallavi has also shared her perspective on the scene. During a conversation with comedian Zarna Garg, she explained that the action sequence was choreographed to flow more like dance than traditional combat.
Meanwhile, several viewers have questioned the portrayal of Sita in the Khar-Dushan battle. They argue that according to Valmiki's Ramayana, Lord Ram fought the demon army while Lakshman took Sita to a safe place.
Despite the debate, Ramayana Part 1 has reportedly collected Rs 663.90 crore worldwide in its first five days, according to Sacnilk. With the film receiving attention for its grand visuals and performances, the debate over creative freedom and religious storytelling continues.