Actor Dhanush has strongly defended Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita in Ramayana, saying he cannot understand the criticism surrounding her portrayal of the mythological character. Praising her devotion and acting abilities, Dhanush said that even if the makers had searched across the country for someone to play Sita, no other actor could have done justice to the role as well as Sai.
Speaking at a pre-release event for their upcoming film OM, Dhanush recalled working with Sai for the first time in Maari 2 and how much she had changed as an actor when they reunited nine years later for OM.
He said Sai was extremely shy off camera during their first collaboration and was someone who spoke very little. However, her confidence and command of the craft had left him astonished during their latest project.
“She stood there as if she totally mastered the art of cinema. In her poise, in her expressions, there was so much confidence. It was truly astonishing. Playing this role was not easy at all but she bravely took the chance and did it so well,” Dhanush said.
Dhanush on Sai Pallavi’s devotion
Dhanush also congratulated Sai on her portrayal of Sita in Ramayana, which began its worldwide theatrical release on November 5. Addressing the debate surrounding her casting, he said her devotion to God and the sincerity with which she approached the role made her particularly suited to the character.
“There is so much noise around her portrayal of Sita. I don't understand it. Even during shot breaks, she would be praying constantly. She is someone with such profound devotion to God, someone with such a pure heart. She looks so beautiful and she is a great performer,” he said.
Sai Pallavi’s role in OM
In OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram: The Blood Wood, Sai plays CBI officer Nithya Reddy, who is assigned to investigate the illegal red sandalwood trade. The film’s first glimpse introduced her character’s backstory and the personal loss that motivates her investigation, bringing her into contact with characters played by Dhanush and Mammootty.
Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 20. Dhanush plays a woodcutter, while Mammootty has a pivotal role.
What to know about Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is a two-part adaptation of the ancient epic attributed to Valmiki, one of the world's oldest literary works. It follows Lord Rama, regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his battle against the asura king Ravana after the latter abducts his wife, Sita.
The film is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. Its ensemble cast features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The first instalment began its worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, while the second part is scheduled to arrive in theatres during Diwali 2028.