As the anticipation builds for the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a wave of enthusiasm is gripping the entertainment industry in India. There’s been a noticeable surge in projects that aim to celebrate and narrate the story of Lord Ram and his kingdom, tapping into the devotion and excitement surrounding the event.
Upcoming blockbuster projects include director Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated “Ramayana,” which is rumored to feature Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in lead roles. The production is abuzz with preparation and is expected to commence filming soon. In parallel, a veil of secrecy drapes Priyadarshan’s five-episode series about the Ram Temple, which is being filmed in Lucknow and Ayodhya. Those involved with this project are tight-lipped, unwilling to release any specifics to the public.
On a different scale, director Yogesh Bhardwaj has readied a modestly budgeted film for release, named “695.” The title of this film encapsulates three significant dates in the timeline of the Ram Temple movement. Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television adaptation of the Ramayan, headlines the cast in this production. Govil described the movie as a “celebration of our cultural heritage and the triumph of faith,” specifying his role as a priest advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Bhardwaj, shedding light on the narrative approach, said, “We have tried to take everyone along and have created a balanced narrative of the 500-year long struggle for the temple without augmenting or reducing someone’s role.”
Despite the heightened activity, there won’t be a blockbuster release coinciding with the lead-up to the temple’s consecration. An industry insider, preferring to remain anonymous, suggested that mounting such a release would require a hefty budget and timely approvals. “In our industry, a lot depends on the commitment of a big star and a large chunk of the budget goes to their remuneration,” said the source. The industry is also reportedly cautious, considering the mixed response to the big-budget film “Adipurush.”
Nevertheless, acclaimed author Amish has co-produced an engaging documentary that’s ready for release, delving into the story of Lord Ram and the history of the Ram Janmabhoomi over a concise 78 minutes. The documentary harmonizes the theme of unity represented by Lord Ram with the diverse array of his followers, featuring Manganiyar Muslims singing his praises and Ram Rasiks who dress up as female devotees identifying with Sita. Esteemed figures such as former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani and senior Archaeology Survey of India officials among others are interviewed, providing a comprehensive look at the soul of the issue.
Doordarshan, the national broadcaster, is preparing three series for the occasion. “Chaupai Ka Swar, Ram Ki Gatha,” conceptualized by Mandira Dwivedi, will dissect the seven chapters of Ramcharitmanas across five episodes. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the creative producer, mentioned that host Sakshi Tanwar and celebrated vocalists will enliven the verses, ensuring the series strikes a chord with the masses. Dwivedi also recalled Ramanand Sagar’s “Ramayan”—a masterpiece that faced hurdles before receiving governmental approval and found a resurgence of viewership during the pandemic.
Adding to the auditory experience, renowned radio storyteller Nilesh Misra crafts a two-episode series from Ayodhya, blending storytelling prowess with vibrant visuals.
On the theatrical front, Felicity Theatre in Delhi is set to premiere “Humare Ram,” a stage show depicting key episodes from the epic, featuring actors Rahull R. Bhuchar and Ashutosh Rana, with musical titans like Kailash Kher and Sonu Nigam contributing the melodies.
Amidst all the traditional media, social media is not far behind, awash with songs and bhajans honoring Lord Ram. Jubin Nautiyal and Hariharan have released trending tracks, while Anu Malik released his spirited tune “Jai Shree Ram,” which even garnered attention from the political arena.
Collectively, the entertainment landscape brims with eager anticipation and creative output as it prepares for the grand consecration of the Ram temple. The events act as a testament to the profound cultural and mythological importance Lord Ram and his story hold in the heart of India.
