'Ramayana' Makers Criticised For Turning Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Rama Into A Meme

Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated 'Ramayana' has sparked fresh controversy after its makers shared seven promotional memes featuring characters from the Hindu epic. The campaign, which reportedly uses the same meme format across different characters, has drawn criticism from viewers who believe the marketing approach is inappropriate for a story considered sacred by millions.

One meme shows Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama crying, accompanied by the caption, “When I open the fridge and my leftovers have been eaten.” The image reportedly depicts an emotional moment in the film, and its use as a comedy punchline has upset some viewers. Although seven memes were shared, published reports have reproduced only this caption, leaving the exact content of the remaining six unverified.

The campaign has triggered sharp reactions online. One user sarcastically wrote, “Just let the film release. The audience will automatically make memes.” Another called it a “Bizarre marketing strategy,” while a third commented, “This is not funny,” and questioned why some 'Ramayana' fans were still defending the campaign.

Critics argue that the makers should promote the film with greater sensitivity, given the epic’s religious and cultural significance. For many Hindus, the 'Ramayana' is not merely a fictional story but a sacred account of Lord Rama’s life and ideals. They believe using revered characters for everyday jokes risks trivialising their importance, particularly when the film is being presented as a major cinematic adaptation.

The latest controversy adds to the film’s existing online scrutiny. Earlier, its teaser faced criticism over visual effects, character designs and comparisons with 'Adipurush'. However, the subsequent trailer received praise from some viewers who noticed improvements in the CGI, colour grading and demon designs. The response to the project has therefore remained mixed, with excitement about its scale alongside questions about its execution.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Ramayana: Part One' stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh also feature in the ensemble. Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, the film features music by A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. Whether the makers will address the meme backlash remains to be seen.