Mananam

Why Whitewash the Rākṣasa Siblings? Why do some filmmakers feel the need to invent new characterizations while retelling Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa? The recently released Ramayana reportedly portrays Rāvaṇa as a compassionate ruler, an oppressed man who rises against injustice, and someone chivalrous toward women. His abduction of Sītā is presented primarily as revenge for his sister Śūrpaṇakhā's humiliation. Having not yet watched the film, I am relying on the reviews of Śrī Dushyant Sridhar and others for these descriptions. But what does Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa actually tell us about these two Rākṣasa siblings? 1. Rāvaṇa Was Himself an Oppressor The initial description of Rāvaṇa in Bālakāṇḍa emphasizes his ambition to dominate the three worlds and his oppression of numerous communities. Bālakāṇḍa 1.15.9 ऋषीन्यक्षान्सगन्धर्वानसुरान्ब्राह्मणांस्तथा । अतिक्रामति दुर्धर्षो वरदानेन मोहितः ॥ ṛṣīn yakṣān sagandharvān asurān brāhmaṇāṃs tathā | atikrāmati durdharṣo varadānena mohitaḥ || Meani...

  A Cautionary Note: Reverence can survive while understanding as per sampradāya may diminish due to negligence.... Reflections prompted by the discussions on the cinematic adaptation of Śrīmad Rāmāyaṇa November 5, 2026 A Preliminary Disclaimer At the outset, I must confess something rather amusing. I have not yet watched Namit Malhotra's Ramayana . So this is not a review of the movie from a moviegoer's perspective. These are reflections of a student of our sampradāya, prompted by the contrasting perspectives of those who approach the film as cinema and those who examine it through their understanding of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. These discussions have led me to reflect on a concern that goes well beyond this particular film: Can a civilization continue to revere its Itihāsas while gradually losing familiarity with the sampradāya through which their dhārmic vision has traditionally been understood? I cannot recall The Odyssey (the movie released in July/August 2026) being subjected t...