Despite record-breaking box office collections, actor Nitish Bharadwaj expresses disappointment over the film's portrayal of the Ramayana.
The highly anticipated film Ramayana: Part One has made a significant impact at the box office, kicking off its second week with impressive collections. The film, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, grossed approximately Rs. 47 crore nett on its second Friday, bringing its total to an impressive Rs. 601 crore nett over nine days.
According to Pinkvilla, the film’s performance has been remarkable, especially in its South-dubbed versions, which saw a growth of nearly 20%. The Hindi version, while experiencing a slight drop of 12%, still managed to secure the second-largest second Friday collection in Indian cinema history.
As the film continues to break records, it is also generating discussions around its interpretation of the Hindu epic. Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who initially praised the film and even predicted an Oscar win, has since withdrawn his support. In a recent Instagram post, Bharadwaj expressed his disappointment, stating he was “deeply upset” with the film’s portrayal of its characters, particularly Ravana, played by Yash.
Bharadwaj’s critique, reported by Bollywood Hungama, highlights concerns over the film’s representation of Indian cultural heritage. He argued that the film alters the moral framework of the Ramayana by presenting Ravana as a socially just figure, which he believes undermines the essence of the epic.
Despite the controversy, Ramayana: Part One remains a box office success, with expectations that it may surpass the Rs. 850 crore nett mark if it continues its current trajectory. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, features a star-studded cast including Sai Pallavi and Rakul Preet Singh, and has been released in multiple languages.
As the film progresses through its theatrical run, it will be interesting to see how it balances commercial success with the cultural sensitivities it has sparked.
