Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 1 hr ago
Lara Dutta defends Sai Pallavi’s warrior Sita in Ramayana
Lara Dutta defended Sai Pallavi’s warrior portrayal of Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s film Ramayana after it drew criticism from some viewers.
The film shows Sita fighting demons with a sword and training children and local youths in combat.
Dutta said Sita should not be shown as helpless, noting that the character chose to spend 14 years in forest exile and would need resilience.
She also pointed out that there are many versions of the Ramayana, and said royal children in those times were trained to use weapons.
The filmmakers drew on the Adbhuta Ramayana, which depicts a powerful form of Sita defeating a thousand-headed demon.
Many Indian viewers are more familiar with adaptations of Valmiki’s Ramayana, helping explain why the film’s creative choices have prompted debate.
The film has passed ₹1,000 crore worldwide in its first week, and its second part is scheduled for release in 2028.
Nitesh Tiwari’s film Ramayana shows Sai Pallavi’s Sita fighting demons, prompting criticism from some viewers.
Lara Dutta, who plays Kaikeyi, defended the portrayal and urged critics to embrace the cinematic experience.
Dutta said royal children in the era depicted could have been trained in weapons and that Sita may have learned warfare.
The film’s makers have said they drew inspiration for warrior Sita from the Adbhuta Ramayana.
Ramayana was released on November 5 and crossed ₹1,000 crore worldwide within its first week, according to Hindustan Times.
- Who
- Lara Dutta defended Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita as a warrior in Ramayana.
- What
- Dutta responded to criticism of the portrayal and said Sita should not be shown as helpless.
- When
- The film was released on November 5; Dutta’s comments were reported on November 12 and 13, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Dutta said Sita could plausibly have been trained in warfare and would have needed to defend herself.
Critics of the warrior portrayal
Lara Dutta
Creative interpretation
Critics of the warrior portrayal
Some viewers questioned the creative liberties taken with a character rooted in religious beliefs and mythology.
Lara Dutta
Dutta said it was plausible that Sita was trained in warfare and urged viewers to embrace the cinematic experience.
Ramayana was released.
Sita’s portrayal as a warrior drew criticism from some viewers.
NDTV published Lara Dutta’s defence of Sai Pallavi’s portrayal.
- Film
- Ramayana
- Director
- Nitesh Tiwari
- Sita
- Sai Pallavi
- Lara Dutta’s role
- Kaikeyi
- Worldwide box office
- More than ₹1,000 crore within the first week
3 sources
What people are saying
At some point, she will pick up something to defend herself. You have to stop being so small-minded, you know, and also embrace the cinematic experience.
So I think it's not that far off or it's not that far-fetched to think that Sita was also possibly very much trained in the art of warfare.