Siyaram Controversy: Ramayan Teaser ‘Emotionless’?

The upcoming film Ramayan, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, has generated a wave of reactions online and among film enthusiasts.

As with any major adaptation of a much-loved epic, expectations are high, and every creative choice is being closely observed.

YouTuber Pratik Borade, who initially had a positive response to the film’s early promos, has now voiced some strong criticisms about its presentation and approach.

One of his key concerns is the use of the “Siyaram” chant in the teaser.

He feels that the Western accent and foreign female vocals used in the chant do not reflect the true Indian essence.

He questions the idea that such choices are needed to appeal to a global audience, pointing out that international successes like Japanese anime and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ stayed rooted in their own cultures and still found wide appreciation.

Pratik Borade also comments on the first visuals of Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, describing them as underwhelming and emotionally flat.

He feels they missed the opportunity to leave a lasting impression—especially when compared to impactful first looks from films like RRR.

Another point he raises is the historical timeline of the Ramayan.

While the film refers to it as a 5,000-year-old tale, Borade mentions that some research places the events even further back in time.

He also takes issue with how the film seems to simplify Ravana’s character by focusing on “power and revenge” as his motivations.

According to Pratik Borade, the original text places more emphasis on “power and lust,” and changing that could water down the story’s deeper philosophical and spiritual layers.

Overall, his critique reflects a broader concern about the importance of remaining faithful to the cultural and spiritual core of the Ramayan, rather than modifying it too much for a global audience.

Ultimately, though, it will be up to viewers to decide the film’s success and significance when it hits the screens.