Mukesh Khanna Criticises Sita’s Portrayal in Ramayana

Actor Mukesh Khanna has criticised the portrayal of Sita as a fighter in Ramayana Part 1, saying the character’s sword sequence departs from Valmiki’s Ramayana. Khanna said he had not watched the film and was basing his view on promotional material and audience reactions.

In remarks on his YouTube channel, Khanna said Valmiki’s text does not show Sita fighting. He also challenged the filmmakers’ reported explanation that the sequence drew on the Adbhuta Ramayana, a different version of the story. According to Khanna, a producer made that point in a post; Khanna rejected the justification and argued that the film should follow Valmiki’s account.

Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, has described the sword sequence as carefully choreographed. In a conversation with comedian Zarna Garg, she said she practised with a sword and that the stunt team wanted the action to resemble dance rather than combat. Pallavi said she welcomed the portrayal for a new generation.

The disagreement centres on how a film adaptation can portray Sita, and on which version of the epic its creative choices draw. Khanna’s comments are his interpretation of the text and the filmmakers’ explanation; the reports do not...