Ramayana Update: Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1 continues to grab attention, with the film enjoying a good response at the box office. However, the big-screen adaptation has also found itself facing criticism over certain creative decisions. This time, a review by Vedic astrologer and influencer Abhimanyu Rana has sparked a debate on social media over the portrayal of Surpanakha.
In an Instagram video, Abhimanyu questioned the Ramayana makers for presenting Surpanakha as more beautiful than Sita and changing important details from the original Ramayana. For those unaware, Rakul Preet Singh plays Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha, while Sai Pallavi essays the role of Sita in the film.
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Abhimanyu argued that Valmiki’s Ramayana describes Surpanakha as an unattractive character, unlike the beautiful portrayal seen in the film. He questioned the decision to cast and present her differently, claiming that the original text describes her physical appearance in considerable detail.
“Surpanakha is more beautiful than Sita (in the film). Justify that. Valmiki has gone out of his way to describe Surpanakha, which means she was exceptionally bad-looking. You have brought a beautiful girl there. What are you doing?” he said.
He further pointed out that the original description mentions her pot-bellied appearance, coarse hair, copper-brown hair colour and unpleasant voice. According to him, the film’s portrayal does not match these details.
The influencer also criticised the way Surpanakha’s interaction with Lord Rama has reportedly been presented. He claimed that the character approached Rama out of attraction rather than with a marriage proposal because her husband had died.
Questioning the film’s version, he said, “The film shows that she came to Lord Rama to get married because her husband died. What nonsense is this?”
Abhimanyu also explained that Rama directed Surpanakha towards Lakshman after telling her that he was already married. Lakshman also refused her advances. According to his account, Surpanakha then blamed Sita and threatened to kill and eat her before attacking her with a weapon. Lakshman intervened in defence of Sita and cut off her nose.
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Abhimanyu further claimed that Surpanakha later approached Ravana and described Sita’s beauty, encouraging her brother to take an interest in her. He argued that these events eventually led to the conflict involving Ravana, Rama and Sita.
His video has brought attention to the creative liberties taken in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1. The portrayal of mythological characters and changes to familiar episodes have once again become talking points among viewers, particularly those who want the film to remain closer to the original text.
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama while Yash essays the antagonist Ravana. The second part is going to hit the theatres on Diwali 2028.
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