Ramayana Scores Big. Why Cut Sita’s Fight
If Sita could take the form of Mahakali, why can’t she defend herself on screen? The missing Ramayana sequence has reignited the debate
Despite casting debates over Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, and criticism from mythology purists, Ramayana: Part 1 has found its audience. The film has reportedly crossed Rs 823 crore worldwide in six days. Yet, amid the box-office triumph, one controversy refuses to go away: why was Sita’s action sequence removed from the Indian version?
Actor Mukesh Khanna has been particularly vocal in questioning the portrayal of Sita as a warrior. But is this interpretation really without precedent?
Amish Tripathi’s Sita: Warrior of Mithila presents her as a trained fighter. The Adbhuta Ramayana goes further, describing her transformation into Mahakali to defeat Sahasra Ravana, the thousand-headed demon whom Rama cannot vanquish. Which makes the reported deletion of a Sita action sequence from Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 all the more intriguing.
In the international cut, Sai Pallavi’s Sita is seen protecting an injured Lakshmana (Ravie Dubey) from wolf-like creatures. Trapped in a cave behind a waterfall, she picks up a weapon, ready to defend them, before Rama (Ranbir Kapoor) arrives.
The sequence is reportedly missing from Indian theatrical screenings. Critics argue that Valmiki’s Ramayana does not portray Sita as a combatant. Mukesh Khanna, who played played Bhishma Pitamah and Nitish Bharadwaj, who famously played Mahabharat’s Krishna, have been vocal critics. Is it genuine concern for mythology or discomfort at a new generation taking centre stage?
Others see the scene as a refreshing assertion of female agency. Indira Krishnan, who plays Kaushalya, has defended the creative choice, saying the makers wanted to show that Sita was not weak and highlight her valour and warrior lineage. But here is the larger question: if the filmmakers believed in this interpretation of Sita, why not stand by it? Why delete the sequence rather than defend their creative choice?
‘Ramayana’ enters Oscars race
Makers of Ramayana have submitted the film for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards. The film has been sent for consideration in the Visual Effects (VFX) category. However, it is unclear whether it has been submitted in any other categories.