Anjali Arora’s casting as Mata Sita in the upcoming film Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki has triggered a debate on social media, with some users questioning the decision to cast the influencer-turned-actor in the revered role.
The controversy began after Anjali shared the film’s teaser on Instagram on Tuesday. While several fans praised her look and expressed excitement about the project, some Reddit users criticised the casting and questioned whether the portrayal would treat the character with the sensitivity they believe the role demands.
Anjali Arora’s Sita casting sparks reactions
Anjali Arora, who rose to fame through social media before appearing on reality television, will portray Mata Sita in the upcoming Ramayan adaptation.
Following the teaser release, reactions on Reddit ranged from criticism of the casting to outright comparisons with Adipurush. Some users described the decision as disrespectful, while others argued that casting choices for culturally significant characters should be handled with particular care.
One Reddit user called the casting a “cruel joke” on people’s beliefs, while another simply described it as “blasphemy”. Another user compared the upcoming film with Adipurush, which faced significant backlash over its portrayal of the Ramayana.
However, the reaction has not been entirely negative. Some of Anjali’s fans praised her appearance in the teaser and welcomed her casting as Sita.
Why are people comparing it to Adipurush?
The online backlash has revived memories of Om Raut’s Adipurush, which starred Prabhas, Kriti Sanon and Saif Ali Khan.
The 2023 film, based on the Ramayana, faced criticism over its dialogues, visual treatment and creative interpretation of characters from the epic. The controversy became a major talking point surrounding the film.
Against that backdrop, some social media users have already labelled Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki the “next Adipurush”, even though the film has yet to release.
The criticism is currently based on reactions to the teaser and casting rather than the complete film.
What is Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki about?
Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki is backed by Prakash Mahobiya and Sanjay Bundela under the banner of Mahobiya Film Production.
The film features Dev Sharma in the lead role, with Anjali Arora, Sheel Verma, Rajniesh Duggal and Nirbhay Wadhwa in key roles.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 25, 2026.
The project is also arriving in a year when another major Ramayana adaptation is generating considerable attention.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana also set for 2026
Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana is scheduled to arrive in two parts, with the first instalment set for release around Diwali 2026.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, with Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey and Yash also playing key roles.
Mounted on a reported budget of around ₹4,000 crore, the project is among the most ambitious Indian films currently in production.
Who is Anjali Arora?
Anjali Arora first gained popularity through social media, particularly through lip-sync and dance videos. Her popularity surged in 2022 after her dance video to the viral Bengali song Kacha Badam became an internet sensation.
She subsequently appeared on Kangana Ranaut’s reality show Lock Upp Season 1, where she became one of the show’s recognisable contestants and finished as the second runner-up.
Since then, Anjali has appeared in music videos and expanded her career into acting.
Her casting as Sita marks another major step in that transition.
Film yet to face the real test
While the teaser has already generated significant discussion, the film itself is yet to reach theatres.
The social media debate highlights the sensitivity surrounding screen adaptations of the Ramayana, particularly when filmmakers reinterpret characters who hold deep cultural and religious significance for millions.
Whether Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki can win over audiences will ultimately depend on its full portrayal, performances and storytelling after its September 25 release.
