The portrayal of Sita as a warrior in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana has triggered a debate among viewers, with some questioning the decision to show the character wielding a sword and participating in combat. Actor Indira Krishnan, who plays Queen Kaushalya in the film, has now weighed in on the discussion, admitting that she initially found it difficult to relate to this interpretation of Sita.
In an interview with News18, Indira said her understanding of Sita had been shaped by the television adaptation of the epic she watched as a child. She acknowledged that the new portrayal might also take some viewers by surprise.
“I would also go with the audience. As a child, when I watched Ramayan, I never saw Sita as a warrior. I couldn’t connect this bit with what I had watched in the old television show,” she said.
Why the makers chose to portray Sita as a warrior
In the film, Sai Pallavi is seen wielding a sword during a forest encounter with the demon army led by Khara and Dushana. Explaining the creative decision, Indira said the makers wanted to highlight Sita’s courage and strength rather than present her as a vulnerable character.
She pointed out that Sita belonged to a family of warriors, where girls were also taught the art of handling weapons.
“The makers wanted to portray that Sita isn’t weak. She belonged to a family of warriors who made sure that the girl child learned the art of wielding a sword. Through the sequence, they’ve depicted the valour of Sita, who was otherwise soft-minded,” Indira said.
She added that the film seeks to explore the strength of its female characters beyond their conventional portrayals. According to her, the intention was to show that every woman possesses her own form of strength.
Indira also spoke about her interpretation of Kaushalya, saying she did not want to portray Rama’s mother as someone who was constantly sorrowful. Instead, she presented the character as emotionally strong and confident.
The actor further revealed that the film explores a lesser-known aspect of Kaikasi, Ravana’s mother, who is depicted as a warrior. She said this dimension of Kaikasi came as a surprise to those involved in the project.
Sai Pallavi says she felt blessed to play Sita
Sai Pallavi had earlier spoken about taking on the role of Sita at the film’s Pratham Sankalp event in New Delhi in July. The actor described the opportunity as a blessing, saying she considered the portrayal of a divine figure a responsibility that required the collective efforts of the entire team.
“It's not easy for actors to get roles like this. Because it's not easy to play a Goddess. There must be a team putting their heart and soul into making it the best version. I don't think I chose to play Sita maa. I was blessed to play this role,” she said.
Pallavi added that she did not approach the character with a predetermined interpretation. Instead, she said she would meditate and seek guidance while preparing for the role.
“It's not something that you can go after and not something you can write down and say, this is how I want to play. I would sit and meditate and say, Sita maa, you act through me. Whatever comes through me is what you want for the film,” she added.
Cast and release plans for Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, *Ramayana* is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Hindu epic.
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, while the second part is slated to arrive in 2028.
The film’s interpretation of familiar characters, including its decision to present Sita as a warrior, has already become a talking point ahead of its release.