# Sai Pallavi faces online backlash over Sita look in Ramayana film

2026-08-17T07:57:58+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets (3 source reports)

Actor Sai Pallavi has faced intense online criticism after the trailer of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 was released, with social media users questioning whether she is beautiful enough to play Sita. Cinema Express reports that her features were dissected, and she was compared unfavourably to actors like Dipika Chikhlia, Nayanthara, Debina Bonnerjee and Kriti Sanon who have played Sita in other adaptations. Comments included questions about Sita having curly hair and why a South Indian actor was cast. The costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula told NDTV that they consciously chose faith over authenticity, drawing inspiration from calendar art and temple depictions. They said the costumes were designed for a global audience and that multiple versions were tried before finalising Sita's look. The green blouse worn by Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, they explained, represented Mother Earth and her emotional turmoil. Ramayana: Part 1 is set to release in theatres during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 scheduled for Diwali 2027.

## Coverage

- cinemaexpress.com <https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/features/2026/Aug/17/what-the-backlash-for-sai-pallavi-in-ramayana-really-reveals>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ramayana-designers-address-backlash-over-lara-duttas-kaikeyi-and-sai-pallavis-sita-costumes-chose-faith-over-authenticity/articleshow/133294284.cms>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (2) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/red-forts-luv-kush-ramlila-returns-with-bigger-sets-ai-powered-visuals/articleshow/133290170.cms>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources. Last updated 2026-08-17T12:21:36+00:00.

Tags: Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana, Sai Pallavi, Sita
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