Superstar Salman Khan on Friday said discussions around Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana" should focus on the Hindu mythological epic's story and characters rather than its reported Rs 4,000 crore budget and visual effects.
"Ramayana", a grand spectacle, hit theatres on Thursday. The first of the two-part cinematic adaptation features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
Speaking at a promotional event of his upcoming film "Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace", Salman said the conversation around the film should centre on Lord Rama, Ravana and Sita, and the values reflected in the scriptures.
"I think the talks around 'Ramayana' should be about 'Ramayana' and not its VFX and cost of production. This narrative around Rs 4,000 crore budget and VFX, VFX, VFX, I don't think that is correct. I just think the discussion on 'Ramayana' should be on 'Ramayana' itself. Ram, Ravana, Sita and on the scriptures," the 60-year-old actor told reporters.
Salman Khan on Lord Rama's qualities
He also spoke about the qualities associated with Lord Rama, drawing a parallel with the character he plays in "Maatrubhumi", which is inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.
"What were the qualities of Ram? Best husband, best son, best father, best warrior and the best brother. These were the qualities that he had. The same qualities are there in the character that I play in 'Maatrubhumi'," Salman said.
Asked whether he watched "Ramayana", Salman replied, "Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan'."
He was referring to the television adaptation of the epic, which became popular in the 1980s.
"Ramayana" is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and Yash's Monster Mind Creations. Its visual effects have been handled by DNEG, the British visual effects studio headed by Malhotra. The second instalment is planned for Diwali 2028.
Salman Khan announces Rs 11 tickets for senior citizens
At the event, the actor also announced that audiences above the age of 75 would be able to watch "Maatrubhumi" for Rs 11 per ticket.
"Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace", directed by Apoorva Lakhia, features Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who led Indian troops during the Galwan Valley clash.
The film also stars Chitrangda Singh and is scheduled to release on December 4.