Dipika Chikhlia Says Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Should Not Be Made: 'People Are Making a Mess of It'

Dipika Chikhlia, who became a household name by playing Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, says people should no longer make films on the Hindu mythological epic. In a recent interview, the actress-turned-politician shared that in an attempt to bring something new, makers of the Ramayana end up distorting the Hindu epic. Dipika also expressed her views on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the lead.

“Honestly, I am quite disillusioned by people who keep making Ramayan because I don’t think you should be doing it. People are making a mess of it. I don’t think people should be making Ramayan again and again because every time they make it, they want to bring in something new; a new story, a new angle, a new look,” she told India Today.

The 59-year-old actress further cited Prabhas’ Adipurush and recalled how the film was heavily criticised after its release in 2023 for allegedly distorting Ramayana. “Like for Kriti Sanon, they gave her a pink coloured satin [saree in ‘Adipurush’]. They gave Saif [Ali Khan who played Ravana in ‘Adipurush’] a different look because they wanted to do something different, creatively. But then what you are doing is you’re spoiling that whole impact of what Ramayan is all about,” she said.

Further talking about Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana movie, Dipika added, “One should not tamper around with religious texts. I don’t think one should be doing it and just leave it aside. Just don’t do this. There are so many stories that you can talk about besides Ramayan. Speak about a lot of freedom fighters. There’s so much that one can talk about; unsung heroes who were valiant in history for freedom. Why only Ramayan?”

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is one of the most awaited films. In the movie, Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi will be seen essaying the roles of Lord Ram and Sita, respectively. While it has not been officially announced as of now, reportedly, KGF star Yash has been roped in to play Ravana in the movie. The film will also star Arun Govil and Lara Dutta as Dashrath and Kaikeyi respectively. Reportedly, the makers have also roped in Sunny Deol for the role of Hanuman. However, there is no official confirmation regarding this as of now.

Even though Ramayana’s release date has not been announced as of now, the film is likely to hit theatres in 2027.