Even as anticipation continues to grow around Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of Ramayana, the film has once again found itself at the centre of a fresh debate. Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has revisited his concerns over the project, this time questioning Sai Pallavi’s casting as Goddess Sita and expressing doubts about what the film ultimately hopes to achieve. His remarks arrive at a time when the film is preparing for one of its biggest international showcases, making the discussion even more noticeable among cinema lovers.
The mythological epic has remained in the spotlight ever since its first official glimpse was released. While many viewers praised its visual scale and star-studded ensemble, the casting of key mythological characters has continued to divide opinions. Kapoor’s latest comments add another voice to an already ongoing conversation surrounding one of Indian cinema’s most expensive productions.
Annu Kapoor raises concerns over Sita’s portrayal
During a conversation with Zoom, Annu Kapoor admitted that he remains unconvinced about the film and even questioned where the project currently stands. He asked whether the film had already reached theatres before shifting his focus to Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita. According to the veteran actor, filmmakers should be especially careful when portraying characters who hold deep religious and cultural significance for millions of people across the country.
“But you need to understand who you have chosen for the role of Sita. Goddess Sita is worshipped as a mother. People in this country worship Lord Ram as an avatar of Lord Narayan. The casting is quite questionable. Let the film release,” he stated.
Kapoor also shared his view that the upcoming adaptation may not differ dramatically from earlier versions of the epic. “Whatever they make, they will only upgrade Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana technologically and perhaps increase its scale. What do you think they will make?” he questioned.
His comments reflect a broader discussion that often surrounds mythological adaptations, where casting choices are closely scrutinised alongside storytelling, authenticity and audience expectations. Over the years, several actors portraying iconic religious figures have faced similar public debates before their films or television shows reached audiences.
Ramayana heads to San Diego Comic-Con
Despite the criticism, Ramayana continues to move ahead with its global promotional campaign. The film will make a landmark appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on July 23, becoming only the second Indian film after Kalki 2898 AD to be officially showcased at the internationally recognised event. The presentation is expected to introduce the project to a wider global audience while highlighting its visual ambition and large-scale production.
Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram, is expected to attend the event alongside Yash, who portrays Ravana, and producer Namit Malhotra. Their appearance is likely to offer fans fresh insights into the project as excitement builds ahead of its theatrical release. The Comic-Con showcase also signals the makers’ intention to position Ramayana as a film with worldwide appeal rather than limiting its reach to domestic audiences.
The official Comic-Con description reads: “In an age of gods and kings, the fate of worlds hangs in the balance. Rama, a prince bound by duty, sacrifice, and the greater good, must face Ravana, an immortal ruler driven by pride and vengeance, powerful enough to shatter the cosmos.”
A massive cast and one of India’s biggest productions
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features one of the largest ensemble casts assembled for an Indian film. Ranbir Kapoor leads the project as Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi portrays Goddess Sita. Kannada superstar Yash steps into the role of Ravana, with Sunny Deol playing Lord Hanuman in what is expected to be one of the film’s most talked-about performances.
The supporting cast includes Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari and Arun Govil as King Dashrath. Actors Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare and Mohit Raina also play important roles, making the film one of the most star-packed productions in recent Indian cinema.
Adding further scale to the project is its reported budget of around ₹4,000 crore, placing it among the costliest Indian films ever mounted. The music has also attracted global attention, with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer collaborating with AR Rahman for the soundtrack. The first instalment is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, while the second chapter is planned to arrive in theatres in 2027, making Ramayana one of the industry’s biggest long-term cinematic ventures.
