Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who is well-known for playing Lord Krishna in BR Chopra’s iconic 1988 television series Mahabharat, recently reviewed Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana after watching it. Notably, Bharadwaj was among the first celebs to praise Ramayana soon after its trailer was released. He had even predicted that the film would win an Oscar. However, now, after watching the film, the actor seems to have changed his stance, criticising the magnum opus, saying it misrepresents India’s history and heritage.
Nitish Bharadwaj criticises Ramayana
Nitish Bharadwaj expressed his disappointment with the Ramayana makers over the portrayal of Ravana, played by Yash in the film. This comes amid the debate around the portrayal, which many believe is shown as a fair and socially just character. According to Nitish, Ravana’s portrayal changes the moral framework of the epic.
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A post shared by Nitish Bharadwaj (@nitishbharadwaj.krishna)
Taking to Instagram, he wrote, “The Ramayan is not just a story. It is deeply rooted in the civilizational and spiritual consciousness of Sanatan Bharat. Its heroes, heroine and antagonist are integral to the values and message of this Mahakavya. Their character and significance cannot be casually redefined. Mahavishnu took the Ram Avatar to uphold Dharma, parampara and establish Maryada. By presenting Ravan as an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure, the film, in my view, alters the moral framework of the Ramayan and undermines the very purpose of avataar.”
In his review, he also highlighted that the Ramayana’s impressive visual effects cannot be substituted for the primary values of the epic. He also said that he was withdrawing his earlier social media post praising the film. He wrote, “I am deeply upset and disappointed with this film. I withdraw my earlier post about it. I cannot find a single good word to say about it. A spectacle of VFX can never substitute for the core values, philosophical depth and spiritual essence of this Mahakavya. This film, in my opinion, does not deserve to represent Indian cinema internationally when its narrative misrepresents Bharat’s history, heritage and core spiritual values.”
Nitish Bharadwaj predicted Oscars for Ramyana
Earlier, soon after watching the Ramayana trailer, Nitish had heaped praise on the makers and predicted an academy Award for it. He said, “100% Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Nitesh Tiwari is Bharat’s next gift to world cinema after Satyajit Rai and Shekhar Kapoor. Tens of awards for Production Design and DOP. Wonderful period creation using VFX and AI. Thanks to the great music maestro Hans Zimmer for collaborating with Indian cinema. Ranbir now at par with Ranveer as the next two unbeatable Dhurandhars. Yash — welcome to global cinema.”
