Mumbai, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, best known for playing Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, has expressed strong disappointment with the film Ramayana, saying he withdraws his earlier appreciation of the project.
In a detailed statement, Bharadwaj said the Ramayana is not merely a story but an integral part of India’s cultural, spiritual and civilisational heritage. He argued that the characters and their significance in the epic should not be casually reinterpreted.
Explaining his objections, the actor referred to the purpose of Lord Ram’s incarnation, saying Mahavishnu took the Ram Avatar to uphold Dharma, preserve tradition and establish Maryada. He criticised what he described as the film’s portrayal of Ravan as an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure.
“RAMAYAN IS IN THE DNA OF BHARAT The Ramayan is not just a story. It is deeply rooted in the civilizational and spiritual consciousness of Sanatan Bharat. Its heroes, heroine and antagonist are integral to the values and message of this Mahakavya. Their character and significance cannot be casually redefined,” he wrote.
He further said, “THE PURPOSE OF RAM AVATAR Mahavishnu took the Ram Avatar to uphold Dharma, parampara & establish Maryada.By presenting Ravan as an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure, the film, in my view, alters the moral framework of the Ramayan and undermines the very purpose of avatar.”
Withdrawing his earlier praise, Bharadwaj added, “I WITHDRAW MY INITIAL APPRECIATION I am deeply upset and disappointed with this film. I withdraw my earlier post about it. I cannot find a single good word to say about it. A spectacle of VFX can never substitute for the core values, philosophical depth and spiritual essence of this Mahakavya.”
He also questioned the film’s suitability to represent Indian cinema internationally, writing, “OUR CULTURAL LEGACY DESERVES RESPONSIBLE REPRESENTATION This film, in my opinion, does not deserve to represent Indian cinema internationally when its narrative misrepresents Bharat’s history, heritage and core spiritual values.— Dr. Nitish Bharadwaj.”
Earlier, after watching the trailer, Bharadwaj had praised the project and expressed confidence that it had a strong chance of winning an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category. However, his opinion changed after watching the film.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil and Lara Dutta, among others. The film was released in theatres on November 5.
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