Diwali‑release Ramayana film offers neutral retelling and nuanced characters

A new Hindi-language film on the Ramayana released on the eve of Diwali offers a politically neutral retelling that diverges from recent Bollywood mythological trends. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita and features Arun Govil as King Dashrath. The story portrays Asuras as an underclass, shows Ravana’s mother rebuking his love of music, and follows his penance, boon, conquest of Lanka and defeat of Indra, prompting Vishnu’s incarnation as Ram. Ram’s exile, Sita’s marriage, Lakshman’s clash with Surpanakha, and the humanised portrayal of Surpanakha and Mandodari are shown, culminating in Ravana’s abduction of Sita and Ram’s vow to rescue her. Unlike many recent historical and mythological films that have been accused of communal polarisation, the movie avoids contemporary political dog whistles and focuses on a spectacular rendering of the legend. The film echoes the 1980s Doordarshan serial that aired during Rajiv Gandhi’s premiership, which also stayed clear of overt politics while becoming a household discussion point and later influencing voter shifts toward the BJP after the 1989 Ram temple demand. Observers note that both the old serial and the new movie aim to capture the epic’s essence without propaganda, contrasting with recent titles such as Padmawat, Tanhaji, Panipat, Chhava, The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story that drew criticism for partisan narratives. The nuanced depiction presents Ram as ethical yet war‑ready and Ravana as a wounded, complex antagonist, similar to Karna’s portrayal in the Mahabharata.

Context

The film’s neutral stance reflects a broader pattern where Indian storytellers sometimes use mythic tales to either stir or soothe communal sentiments, making this version noteworthy for its avoidance of overt political messaging.