Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 has become one of the biggest cinematic talking points, both for its box-office performance and the debate surrounding its interpretation of the epic. Despite its mixed reception, the film has crossed Rs 1,100 crore worldwide within nine days of release. However, its creative choices have not gone unquestioned.
BR Chopra’s Mahabharat stars Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Lord Krishna, and Mukesh Khanna, known for his portrayal of Bhishma Pitamaha, have raised objections to specific sequences. While Bharadwaj criticised Ravana’s characterisation, Khanna questioned Sita’s warrior portrayal and other creative liberties. Now, Malhotra has explained why the adaptation does not strictly follow Valmiki’s account.
Namit Malhotra Explains Why Ramayana Includes Other Versions
In an exclusive conversation with Subhash K Jha for Rediff, the producer addressed concerns from purists who believe the film should adhere entirely to Valmiki’s Ramayana. He argued that no single version captures every element audiences associate with the epic.
“See, the honest fact is that none of the versions in of itself are complete on its own. Like for example, if somebody said we will make a Ramayana which will not have the swayamvar or the Lakshman Rekha, which is non-existent in the Valmiki Ramayana, people would take objection to it,” said Malhotra.
He continued, “Imagine I showed you a Ramayana today and it did not have the swayamvar or did not have the Lakshman Rekha, you would be calling me and saying, ‘How could you make the Ramayana without this?'”
‘There Are 300 Versions Of The Ramayana’
Malhotra further explained that Valmiki’s composition remains the foundation, but the filmmakers have also incorporated elements from other celebrated retellings to create a seamless narrative.
“There are 300 versions of the Ramayana. What we have made is using the Valmiki Ramayana as the base. And we’ve also been able to take from the other Ramayanas that are equally celebrated and to make sure that we have something that feels much more natural and seamless in the flow,” he said.
Further, he added, “Because ultimately, we’re not making a documentary on Valmikiji’s Ramayana. We’re not making a documentary on it. We’re making the Ramayana. And we have got to take what we believe are the best aspects of whatever is available in all the versions to bring something that our children and the next generation can experience.”
Ramayana’s Box Office Performance
Meanwhile, the film’s commercial run continues to gain momentum. According to trade estimates reported on November 14, Ramayana: Part 1 has collected approximately Rs 1,110 crore worldwide in nine days, marking another major milestone for the Ranbir Kapoor and Yash starrer.
