Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha producer takes indirect dig at Ranbir Kapoor and Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana team for ‘negative marketing’ amid poor box office performance (Image Credits Instagram)

‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ producer Prakash Mahobiya has alleged that the film faced a deliberate negative marketing campaign amid the buzz surrounding Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. The producer claimed that YouTubers and influencers were allegedly encouraged to spread negative information about his film. As ‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ prepares for a re-release, Mahobiya has opened up about its poor box office performance and the circumstances surrounding its theatrical run.

Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha producer alleges negative PR

‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ was released in theatres on September 25, ahead of Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. However, the mythological film faced criticism even before its theatrical release, particularly over its casting and visual effects.Speaking to India Today, producer Prakash Mahobiya addressed the film’s poor box office performance and alleged that the negative buzz surrounding it was not entirely organic. According to Mahobiya, the film was subjected to a negative marketing campaign involving YouTubers, influencers and others.“It was negative marketing throughout. We never got a chance to reach our audience. The ones who watched our film really enjoyed it. But if they never got to see it, how will they even have an opinion?” he said.

Producer hints at another big-budget film on the same subject

While Mahobiya did not directly name ‘Ramayana’, he referred to an upcoming big-budget film based on the same epic. Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’, backed by Namit Malhotra, is among the most anticipated Indian films and is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2026.Mahobiya claimed that his team was told that negative information about ‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ was being circulated because another film on the same subject was in the pipeline.“From what we have been told, there are other movies on the same subject coming in, the big-budget film. As far as we know, a lot of negative marketing opportunities have been given to YouTubers, influencers and other people. They are spreading wrong information and asking people not to watch our film,” he alleged.When asked specifically whether he was accusing the teams behind Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ and Namit Malhotra, Mahobiya stopped short of making a direct allegation.“I don’t know for sure, but that’s what we are being told,” he said.The producer’s comments are an allegation, and no evidence establishing that the ‘Ramayana’ team organised or directed such a campaign has been presented in the statements quoted above.

‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ faced backlash before release

Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha stars Anjali Arora, Dev Sharma and Rajneish Duggal in key roles. Anjali plays Sita in the film. The casting, particularly Anjali’s portrayal of Sita, became a subject of discussion and criticism on social media ahead of the release. The film’s VFX also drew criticism from sections of the audience.After its September 25 theatrical release, the film continued to face backlash over several aspects of its presentation. One of the scenes that attracted attention showed a member of the Vanar Sena wearing spectacles, which prompted further reactions online.According to Sacnilk, ‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ collected around Rs. 46 lakh worldwide during its theatrical run.

Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha makers plan a re-release

Despite the film’s disappointing theatrical performance, Mahobiya has indicated that the makers are looking at giving ‘Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha’ another opportunity to reach audiences. The producer maintained that the response from viewers who actually watched the film was encouraging and suggested that the movie’s limited reach was one of the major reasons for its box office failure.The planned re-release comes at a time when anticipation around big-screen adaptations of the Ramayana remains high, particularly with Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana set to bring together Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and a large ensemble cast.

Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana is gearing up for Diwali 2026 release

Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ is one of the most ambitious Indian mythological projects currently in production. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, while Yash plays Ravana. The project is backed by Namit Malhotra and has generated considerable interest because of its scale, visual effects and star cast.