While Ramayana: Part One sees impressive box office numbers, actor Nitish Bharadwaj expresses disappointment over its cultural representation.
The much-anticipated film Ramayana: Part One continues to perform strongly at the Indian box office, recording impressive collections since its release on November 5, 2026. The film, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, is projected to earn over Rs. 55 crore nett in Hindi today, with South-dubbed versions expected to contribute an additional Rs. 10 crore nett. This follows a successful holiday period that has bolstered its earnings.
According to Pinkvilla, the film’s advance bookings were initially lower than expected, but the evening shows have shown resilience, indicating a robust hold. The film has particularly excelled in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and Gujarat, where holidays have positively impacted ticket sales. However, in Karnataka, where the holiday has ended, a decline of 40-50% has been noted.
Despite the film’s commercial success, it has not been without controversy. Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who initially praised the film and even predicted an Oscar win, has since retracted his support. He expressed his disappointment on Instagram, questioning the film’s portrayal of the Hindu epic and its characters, particularly Ravana, played by Yash. Bharadwaj argued that the film alters the moral framework of the Ramayana and undermines its philosophical essence.
In his statement, Bharadwaj emphasised the importance of responsible representation of India’s cultural heritage, stating, “A spectacle of VFX can never substitute for the core values, philosophical depth and spiritual essence of this Mahakavya.” His comments highlight a significant shift from his earlier enthusiasm, where he had lauded the film’s scale and technical ambition.
As the film continues to draw audiences, the juxtaposition of its box office success against Bharadwaj’s critical perspective adds a complex layer to the ongoing discussion about its interpretation of one of India’s most revered epics. The coming days will reveal whether the film can maintain its momentum as it moves beyond the holiday period.
