Nitish Bharadwaj slams Ramayana film: 'Cannot find a single good word'
Synopsis
The actor who defined Lord Krishna for a generation of Indians has turned on Bollywood's most-anticipated mythological epic. Nitish Bharadwaj's public withdrawal of his own earlier praise — and his pointed objection to Ravan being portrayed as a liberal, socially just figure — frames the Ramayana film not just as a creative disappointment but as a failure of cultural responsibility.
Key Takeaways
Nitish Bharadwaj publicly withdrew his earlier appreciation of the Ramayana film on 10 November 2026 .
He said he is 'deeply upset and disappointed' and 'cannot find a single good word to say about it.' His core objection: the film portrays Ravan as 'an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure,' which he says undermines the epic's moral framework.
Bharadwaj had previously praised the trailer and suggested the film could win an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.
He argued the film 'does not deserve to represent Indian cinema internationally' given what he describes as misrepresentation of India's heritage.
The Ramayana , directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor , released in theatres on 5 November 2026 .
Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra's television epic 'Mahabharat', has issued a sharply worded public statement condemning the new Ramayana film, saying he is 'deeply upset and disappointed' and explicitly withdrawing appreciation he had expressed after watching the trailer. The statement, shared on 10 November, marks a striking reversal from his earlier enthusiasm, in which he had suggested the film had a strong chance of winning an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.
What Bharadwaj Said
In a detailed series of notes, Bharadwaj argued that the Ramayana is not a story open to casual reinterpretation but 'deeply rooted in the civilisational and spiritual consciousness of Sanatan Bharat.' He objected specifically to the film's framing of the antagonist, writing that by portraying Ravan as 'an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure,' the film 'alters the moral framework of the Ramayan and undermines the very purpose of avatar.'
He further stated: 'A spectacle of VFX can never substitute for the core values, philosophical depth and spiritual essence of this Mahakavya.' His notes were signed as Dr. Nitish Bharadwaj, invoking his academic standing alongside his artistic identity.
The Reversal from His Earlier Praise
Bharadwaj's turnaround is notable for its completeness. After the trailer was released, he had publicly endorsed the project and even speculated about its Oscar prospects. His post-screening stance is an unambiguous retraction: 'I withdraw my earlier post about it. I cannot find a single good word to say about it.' The contrast underscores how significant the gap was, in his view, between the film's promotional material and its actual content.
The Cultural Representation Argument
Beyond personal disappointment, Bharadwaj raised a broader concern about India's international cinematic image. He wrote that the film 'does not deserve to represent Indian cinema internationally when its narrative misrepresents Bharat's history, heritage and core spiritual values.' The statement positions his critique not merely as aesthetic disagreement but as a question of cultural stewardship — an argument likely to resonate with audiences who regard the Ramayana as sacred text rather than adaptable source material.
About the Film
The Ramayana film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, was released in theatres on 5 November 2026. It features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil, and Lara Dutta, among others. The film had generated significant pre-release attention owing to its scale and high-profile cast. This comes amid growing public debate over the boundaries of creative liberty when adapting mythological narratives for mainstream cinema.
What Happens Next
Bharadwaj's statement is likely to amplify existing discourse around the film's cultural reception, particularly among audiences with deep emotional investment in the Ramayana tradition. Whether the filmmakers or cast respond publicly remains to be seen, but the intervention of a figure so closely associated with televised mythology gives the critique considerable moral weight in the eyes of many viewers.
Point of View
The argument that certain texts belong to a collective spiritual inheritance that filmmakers enter at their peril. What makes it cut through is the messenger: a man whose portrayal of Lord Krishna remains the reference point for millions carries a kind of authority that a critic or commentator would not. The question the industry now faces is whether the backlash reflects a genuine artistic failure, or whether any ambitious reinterpretation of the Ramayana was always going to trigger this response regardless of execution. The two are not mutually exclusive, and separating them honestly would require a more granular engagement with the film's actual choices than a press statement allows.
NationPress
10 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nitish Bharadwaj criticise the Ramayana film?
Nitish Bharadwaj said he is 'deeply upset and disappointed' with the Ramayana film because, in his view, it misrepresents the epic's core values — particularly by portraying Ravan as 'an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure,' which he argues undermines the moral purpose of the Ram Avatar. He also contended that spectacular VFX cannot substitute for the philosophical and spiritual depth of the original text.
Had Nitish Bharadwaj praised the Ramayana film before?
Yes. After watching the trailer, Bharadwaj had expressed appreciation for the project and suggested it had a strong chance of winning an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category. His post-screening statement on 10 November is a complete reversal of that position.
Who is Nitish Bharadwaj?
Nitish Bharadwaj is an Indian actor best known for portraying Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra's landmark television series Mahabharat. His association with that role gives him a particular cultural authority in debates about the representation of Hindu epics in popular media.
What is the Ramayana film and when was it released?
The Ramayana is a big-budget Hindi film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, released in theatres on 5 November 2026. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil, and Lara Dutta, among others.
What does Bharadwaj say about the film representing India internationally?
Bharadwaj stated that the film 'does not deserve to represent Indian cinema internationally' because, in his opinion, its narrative misrepresents India's history, heritage, and core spiritual values. He argued that the Ramayana is an integral part of India's civilisational identity and must be handled with corresponding responsibility.
