Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Part 1 earns Rs 28.25 crore in Kerala, but faces criticism from actor Nitish Bharadwaj over its cultural representation.
Namit Malhotra’s ambitious film, Ramayana Part 1 – The Rise of the Legend, has made a significant impact at the Kerala box office, grossing an impressive Rs 28.25 crore within its first eight days of release. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, opened with a strong start, collecting Rs 3 crore on its first day and achieving over Rs 13 crore during its opening weekend.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has surpassed previous records for Bollywood releases in Kerala, with the previous highest being Rs 19.50 crore from Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The film’s performance has been bolstered by positive audience reception, with projections suggesting it could exceed Rs 40 crore in total earnings if it maintains its momentum against upcoming releases.
However, the film’s success has not been without controversy. Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who initially praised the film and even predicted an Oscar nomination, has since expressed his disappointment. In a recent Instagram post, Bharadwaj withdrew his earlier commendations, stating he is “deeply upset and disappointed” with the film’s portrayal of the Ramayana.
Bharadwaj raised concerns about the film’s interpretation of key characters, particularly the depiction of Ravana, played by Yash. He argued that the film alters the moral framework of the Ramayana, suggesting that it misrepresents the epic’s philosophical and spiritual essence. He emphasised that visual effects cannot replace the core values associated with the Ramayana, calling for a more responsible representation of India’s cultural heritage.
Despite the mixed reviews, Ramayana Part 1 continues to draw audiences, reflecting a complex interplay between commercial success and cultural representation in contemporary cinema.
