The release of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha has been followed by a controversy after producer Prakash Mahobiya alleged that a negative publicity campaign affected the film’s reach. While Mahobiya did not directly name the team behind Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana, his comments have led to speculation about whether the makers of the big-budget project were involved.
Starring Anjali Arora, Dev Sharma and Rajniesh Duggal, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha arrived in theatres on September 25, 2026. The film faced criticism even before its release and subsequently recorded a modest box-office performance.
Producer Prakash Mahobiya Claims Film Faced Negative Publicity
Prakash Mahobiya said his film was subjected to what he described as continuous negative marketing. According to the producer, this prevented the project from getting a fair opportunity to connect with its intended audience.
Mahobiya alleged that YouTubers, influencers and other individuals were spreading negative comments and incorrect information about the film. He maintained that people who actually watched the movie responded positively, but argued that the alleged campaign discouraged many potential viewers from giving it a chance.
The producer also referred to another major film based on the same subject and claimed that promotional opportunities had allegedly been offered to influencers to spread negative information about his project.
When asked whether he believed the team behind Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, including Namit Malhotra, was responsible, Mahobiya stopped short of making a direct allegation. He said he could not confirm it but added that this was what his team had been told.
Anjali Arora-Starrer Faces Box Office Struggles
Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha features Anjali Arora as Sita, Dev Sharma as Shri Ram and Rajniesh Duggal as Ravan. Sheel Verma plays Lakshman, while Nirbhay Wadhwa appears as Hanuman.
The film was released in Hindi and Chhattisgarhi and had already attracted attention before its theatrical debut, particularly over its casting and visual effects. A poster featuring a member of the Vanar Sena wearing spectacles also became a subject of online discussion.
According to Sacnilk, the film’s worldwide box-office collection stood at ₹46 lakh.
Despite its initial performance and the criticism surrounding the release, Mahobiya said the makers are planning to bring the film back to theatres. The team hopes the re-release will give the movie another opportunity to reach audiences and be evaluated on its own.
Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ Awaits Diwali 2026 Release
The controversy comes as another major adaptation of the Ramayana is preparing for a worldwide theatrical release. Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, is planned as a two-part epic.
The first instalment is scheduled for a global Diwali 2026 release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Sony Pictures Releasing is handling its international distribution.
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Arun Govil, who became widely known for playing Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 television series, will portray King Dashrath.
Ranbir Kapoor, who turned 44 on September 28, 2026, also featured in a behind-the-scenes video released by the makers titled This is our Rama. In the video, the actor spoke about the responsibility associated with portraying Lord Rama.
With a reported combined budget of ₹4,000 crore for both parts, including marketing expenses, and music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, Ramayana is among the biggest upcoming Indian film projects.
For now, Mahobiya’s allegations remain unproven, and there has been no direct confirmation from the Ramayana team regarding the claims. The planned re-release of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha will determine whether the film gets a stronger opportunity to connect with audiences.