Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has asked the makers of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana to arrange a special screening before its worldwide theatrical release. The organisation said it may hold protests outside cinemas if the film contains scenes or dialogues that allegedly hurt Hindu religious sentiments.
Ramayana Faces Special Screening Demand
Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic Ramayana has become the centre of a fresh controversy months before its theatrical release. Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has written to the filmmaker and the production company requesting a special preview of the complete movie for its representatives.
Organisation president Arjun Kumar said the screening would allow its members to examine whether the film contains scenes or dialogues that could allegedly offend Hindu religious and cultural sentiments. The request has been made ahead of the movie’s planned worldwide release during Diwali 2026.
The organisation raised concerns after watching promotional material released by the filmmakers. However, the makers had not publicly responded to the demand at the time of reporting.
Screening Request Linked To Adipurush Controversy
Shri Ramlila Mahasangh referred to the criticism faced by the 2023 film Adipurush while explaining its demand. That movie attracted objections over the appearance, dialogue and presentation of several characters associated with the Ramayana.
Arjun Kumar said the organisation wanted any allegedly objectionable elements in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation to be identified and removed before the theatrical release. The Mahasangh claimed that traditional Ramlila performers and members of the Sanatan community remained concerned about how sacred characters and locations would be represented on screen.
The demand has also triggered an online discussion about whether cultural or religious organisations should receive private access to a film before its release. Some users argued that movie certification already falls under the authority of India’s official film-certification system, while others supported additional consultation for adaptations of revered religious texts.
Protest Warning Raises Debate Before Release
The Mahasangh warned that it could organise demonstrations outside theatres in Delhi and other states if the filmmakers refuse the screening request or release content it considers offensive. It also indicated that other Hindu organisations could participate in the protests.
The warning has added a sensitive new challenge for a film already receiving intense attention because of its scale, cast and subject. Industry observers have expressed concern that demands for parallel approval could create uncertainty for filmmakers, particularly when a project has already completed the legally required certification process.
At the same time, the controversy shows the pressure involved in adapting an epic with deep religious and cultural importance. The filmmakers will have to balance cinematic interpretation with the expectations of audiences familiar with traditional versions of the story.
Cast And Release Plans Build Anticipation
Ramayana is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash. Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita and Yash appears as Ravana. The principal cast also includes Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva.
AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer are composing the music for the large-scale adaptation. Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, while the second instalment is planned for Diwali 2027.
Despite the pre-release dispute, anticipation remains high for the project. Whether the filmmakers agree to the requested private screening or proceed only through the official certification process remains to be seen.
