Ramayana, Bollywood‘s upcoming 2026 project, has become the talk of the town. From figuring out Ranbir Kapoor’s changed lifestyle to wondering if Vicky Kaushal will do a better job in Amar Kaushik’s Mahavatar, the film has already been shrouded in controversy. However, mythological film still overtly relies on the familiarity of the topic, but sometimes struggle to make it engaging for the audiences of the 21st century. While on the other hand, films like Adipurush tend to overcompensate for the same.

Speaking to Anupama Chopra, celebrated screenwriter and director Nitesh Tiwari revealed the process behind writing Ramayana’s script. Chopra challenged him on how ideas like Lakshman Rekha and Agni Pariksha would be depicted. Tiwari acknowledged and revealed that it was taking them a long time to write it. “We are still, you know, very much trying to get it right on paper,” said Tiwari.

Making a Ramayana for the 21st century

Calling it a “daunting task” to adapt one story for both a “year-old also and somebody who is 60 years old,” Tiwari revealed that there were sensibilities to be kept in mind. However, in the end, he also revealed that priests were helping them out to form their script.

Tiwari told Chopra, “These are the debates which we and the writers and a lot of Pandits who are also helping us out are also guiding us that you can do this, you can do that, but don’t do this. Don’t do this at all.” Stating the purpose behind making this a family film in the 21st century, Tiwari said, “The idea is to present Ramayana in the form which it deserves. We feel there is a sense of responsibility we have towards our kids.”

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He then pointed out the harsh reality of the young minds of today. Governed by social media and practically raised by technology, the majority of children today are extremely familiar with gadgets being around them. “The kids know the basic skeleton of Ramayana; they don’t really know it in depth, but they know everything about Avengers,” Tiwari then added.

Ramayana: About the film

Starring Ranbir Kapoor, the film also stars Yash and Sai Pallavi. Set to release in November 2026, the film is one of the most-awaited mythological dramas of all time. Vivek Oberoi, soon to be seen in Masti 4, will also star as Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana. The two-part saga, set to cost nearly Rs 4000 crore, Oberoi felt, would be the answer to Hollywood epics.