Mahabharat's Nitish Bharadwaj takes U-turn after Oscar prediction for Ramayana

Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, known for portraying Lord Krishna in BR Chopra’s 1988 television series Mahabharat, has made a sharp U-turn regarding director Nitesh Tiwari’s epic drama Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. Having previously predicted an Oscar win for the film, the actor has now announced that he has withdrawn his initial appreciation. He expressed deep disappointment over the film's scriptural interpretation and the characterisation of its antagonist, Ravana played by Yash.Nitish, on his Instagram statement, wrote, "RAMAYAN IS IN THE DNA OF BHARAT. The Ramayan is not just a story. It is deeply rooted in the civilisational 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 (sic)."Explaining his dissent regarding the portrayal of Yash's Ravana as a liberal and socially just figure, he argued that such creative liberties alter the moral framework of the epic and undermine the purpose of the divine avatar."THE PURPOSE OF RAM AVATAR. Mahavishnu took the Ram Avatar to uphold Dharma, parampara and establish Maryada (rule of decorum). 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 the avatar (sic)," Nitish wrote.Making his stance unambiguous, the actor added, “I WITHDRAW MY INITIAL APPRECIATION. 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 (sic)."He further maintained that technical grandeur and visual effects cannot compensate for the absence of core philosophical depth, questioning whether the film serves as an authentic representation of Indian cultural heritage on global platforms.This critical stance stands in stark contrast to his earlier reaction upon the release of the film's trailer, where he had lauded the production design, cinematography, and Nitesh Tiwari's vision, even drawing comparisons to legendary filmmakers. At the time, he had expressed optimism regarding the casting and sonic identity of the epic while urging lead actor Ranbir Kapoor to champion cultural representation and avoid films like Animal (2023).Ramayana: Rise of a Legend features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana. The first instalment opened in cinemas on November 5, 2026.The sequel of the film is scheduled to release on Diwali 2028. The post-credits scene of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend has already introduced Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, set to feature in the second instalment.- Ends