The controversy surrounding the upcoming Ramayana film has intensified ahead of the Ramlila season, with the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee publicly reiterating its opposition to the project and demanding that Ramlila organisers be given an opportunity to view the film before its release.
At a press conference held at Constitution Club in New Delhi, Committee President Arjun Kumar responded to recent remarks by actress Swara Bhaskar and stressed the importance of understanding the cultural and religious traditions associated with the Ramayana before commenting on them publicly.
Lav Kush Committee Warns Against Distortion of Ramayana
Arjun Kumar said Indian cultural values are deeply connected with the stories of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman, as well as the centuries-old tradition of Ramlila performances.
He advised Swara Bhaskar to gain a deeper understanding of Sanatan Dharma through the Ramayana and Ramlila before making statements on matters connected with the epic.
The committee also made its position on the upcoming Ramayana film clear. Kumar said the Ramlila Mahasangh would continue to oppose the movie unless organisers are provided with a special screening before its theatrical release.
According to the committee, any representation that significantly changes or distorts the traditional narrative of the Ramayana could trigger strong protests.
The remarks add another dimension to the growing public discussion around the much-awaited film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor in a central role.
Raj Premi, Paintal and Shankar Sahni Join Ramlila Cast
The press conference also saw the announcement of several prominent performers who will participate in this year’s grand Ramlila.
Renowned actor Raj Premi will portray Ravan. The actor has considerable experience in mythological productions and has previously appeared in Sanjay Khan’s Hanuman.
Veteran actor Paintal, whose real name is Kanwarjit Singh, will take on the role of Narad Muni. The performance will mark his first live appearance in a Ramlila in this particular role. Popular actor and singer Shankar Sahni will portray Kevat, adding another well-known name to the production.
The performers spoke about their association with the event and expressed enthusiasm about appearing before audiences at the historic Red Fort Ground.
Four-Storey Meenakshi Temple-Inspired Stage Planned
The organisers have also prepared an elaborate stage design for this year’s Ramlila. The structure will draw inspiration from the world-famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. The four-storey stage will measure approximately 140 feet in length, 60 feet in width and 45 feet in height.
According to the committee, artisans from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mathura and Vrindavan have worked for months on the elaborate structure. Their efforts include recreating detailed temple carvings, domes and pillars to give the stage an imposing architectural appearance.
The production will combine traditional storytelling with modern technology to create a large-scale visual experience for spectators.
3D Mapping, LED Effects and Dolby Sound to Enhance Show
The Ramlila will feature multi-coloured LED lighting, 3D mapping and Dolby digital sound as part of its technical presentation. A 31-foot representation of Kailash Parvat will form one of the major visual attractions, while extensive forest sets will be used to create a realistic jungle environment.
Advanced visual effects will also be deployed for river sequences, including moving boats. Organisers said audiences will experience jungle settings accompanied by the sounds of birds and animals. Aerial sequences showing deities showering flowers will further add to the spectacle.
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The battle sequences are expected to incorporate supernatural visual elements appearing in mid-air at heights of up to 70 feet. These scenes will be supported by an eight-track stereophonic sound system.
Ramlila to Run From October 11 to October 21
Committee General Secretary Subhash Goyal announced that the Ramlila will be staged from October 11 to October 21, 2026. The Dussehra celebration, including Ravan Dahan, will take place on October 20 across Delhi and other parts of the country.
The organisers said political leaders, stage performers and prominent personalities from the sporting world are also expected to participate in different capacities during the celebrations.
Mega Health Camp Planned on PM Modi’s Birthday
The committee also announced a major social initiative to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17.
A Mega Health Camp will be organised at the Red Fort Ground in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narayan Seva Sansthan, Tara Netralaya and ALPS.
The camp will provide several services and assistive devices free of cost, including artificial limbs, tricycles and hearing aids. Eye examinations, surgeries and spectacles will also be made available as part of the initiative.
Bhoomi Pujan Ceremony Scheduled for September 20
Committee Chairman Pawan Gupta announced that the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the Ramlila will be held on September 20. Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be followed by a grand cultural programme.
The committee has also invited members of the media to attend the event.
With the Ramlila season approaching, the organisers are preparing a production that combines religious storytelling, traditional performance and large-scale technology. At the same time, the committee’s objections to the upcoming Ramayana film have added a significant cultural and political dimension to the preparations.
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