Lara Dutta defends Sai Pallavi’s warrior Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’: ‘You’re not going to be a helpless woman in that situation’ | Hindi Movie News
Lara Dutta has backed Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita in ‘Ramayana’, asking viewers to “Just enjoy the cinematic experience.” Her comments come a week after the release of Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic, as a fresh round of criticism targets the film’s depiction of Sita as a fighter.
From casting debates to post-release backlash
Ever since the first glimpse of ‘Ramayana’ was shared, Sai Pallavi’s casting has remained a hot topic online. Early objections focused on her looks, with some saying she did not match the image of a goddess. Her hair texture and accent were also picked apart. Now that the film is in theatres, the criticism has moved to one specific sequence in which Sita is shown in a warrior avatar.
Lara Dutta responds to the criticism around Sai Pallavi
Speaking to NDTV, Lara Dutta addressed the controversy and said, “Just enjoy the cinematic experience.”The actress continued, “And there are so many versions of the Ramayana as well. And if you really looked at the way culture was in those times, boys and girls who were born into royal families, they were all, at some level, provided with training in arts and weaponry.”She added, “So when you look at things like that, there are so many possibilities of what could have happened, should have happened, whatever. So I think it’s not that far off or it’s not that far-fetched to think that Sita was also possibly very much trained in the art of warfare. And especially, I mean, I just say that when you’re put into a situation like that also as a woman, you’re not going to be a helpless woman.”Dutta also reasoned that a woman who willingly chooses a forest exile of 14 years would naturally grow strong and resilient. At some point, “she will pick up something to defend herself,” argues the actor.Wrapping up her defence, she said, “You have to stop being so small-minded, you know, and also embrace the cinematic experience.”
A Sita who is no damsel in distress
In this adaptation, Sita is far from a helpless figure waiting to be rescued. She takes part in farming work and teaches children and local youngsters sword fighting and combat skills, which makes her a trained warrior princess. Her biggest moment comes during the 14-year exile, when she stands alongside Ram and Lakshman in the forest. Armed with twin swords and a bow, she battles demons and other dangers head-on.
Lara Dutta’s role as Kaikeyi
In the film, Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi, the third wife of King Dasharatha and the mother of Bharata. Kaikeyi is the one who claims two boons that send Rama into exile for 14 years, with Sita and Lakshman following him.
More about ‘Ramayana’
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Indira Krishnan, Ajinkya Deo, Vivek Oberoi, and more. It was released in theatres on November 5, 2026.
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