Ramayana: Part One is witnessing a massive Monday at the Indian box office. After a strong opening weekend, the film is doing bumper business today. At the halfway point, a Rs. 100 crores net collection in Hindi looked possible. However, the final number will depend on the evening and night shows. For now, Rs. 90 crores net looks like a more realistic target.
The film collected around $23 million overseas, while its India weekend stood at approximately Rs. 280 crores. This takes its worldwide opening weekend close to Rs. 500 crores. Monday’s strong trend suggests that the film’s real box-office run is now beginning.
While the collections are creating excitement, the debate around Sai Pallavi‘s casting as Maa Sita has taken an unpleasant turn. Some people are arguing that actresses like Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh would have suited the role better because they consider them more beautiful. This argument says more about society’s mindset than it does about the casting.
Sai Pallavi’s performance and suitability for the role can certainly be debated. Many viewers felt she lacked the grace, dignity and aura they expected from Maa Sita. Some even feel that a pan-India film like Ramayana has exposed her limitations as an actor. The view that she was miscast is gaining ground. But reducing the character to conventional beauty standards and comparing actresses based on looks is a rubbish argument.
Mrunal Thakur could have been a better choice, according to some viewers. However, her glamorous off-screen image may have made the makers worry about audience acceptance. There is also a view that Sai Pallavi was chosen because she has largely stayed away from glamorous roles and maintains a clean off-screen image, making it easier for audiences to accept her as Sita.
Whatever the reason behind the casting, Sai Pallavi may have a stronger emotional presence in the Lanka portions of the sequel, where her acting skills could come through more effectively. Part Two will give audiences a better chance to judge her complete portrayal.
