Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana recently offered audiences their first official glimpse, generating widespread discussion across social media. While the star cast was already known, the visuals quickly sparked comparisons with Prabhas and Kriti Sanon’s Adipurush, which had earlier faced criticism for its VFX and storytelling.
Among the biggest talking points was the portrayal of Mata Sita in both films. The discussion soon shifted towards the appearance and costumes of the actresses playing the iconic character, leading to fresh debates online.
When Adipurush was released, many social media users criticised Kriti Sanon for wearing a saree without a blouse. Several viewers also felt that her overall appearance did not match their expectations of Mata Sita, making the costume one of the most discussed aspects of the film.
Many believed that Sai Pallavi would avoid similar criticism in Ramayana because her costume included a blouse with the saree. However, the online reactions followed a similar pattern, and she also became the target of criticism from a section of netizens.
Some users even claimed that another woman seen standing beside Sai Pallavi in a few visuals appeared more suitable for the role of Sita. These comments added another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the film’s first look.
At the same time, questions have been raised about whether such comparisons are fair. Every filmmaker has a different creative vision, and costume design often varies based on artistic interpretation. Comparing two films solely on costume choices may not always present the complete picture.
Both Kriti Sanon and Sai Pallavi faced criticism over their looks and costumes despite the differences in their portrayals. The reactions suggest that audiences continue to closely examine every creative decision when iconic mythological characters are brought to the screen.
While Adipurush received criticism after its release, Ramayana is yet to reach theatres. Whether the final film lives up to audience expectations will only become clear after its release. Until then, the debate over creative choices and costume design is likely to continue.
