The box-office performance of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha has become a talking point in Bollywood, and now producer Prakash Mahobiya has opened up about what he believes went wrong with the film. The mythological drama, which released in theatres on September 25, failed to make a significant impact during its initial theatrical run.
However, Mahobiya claims that the film did not get a fair opportunity to reach its potential audience. In an interview with India Today, the first-time producer alleged that a sustained negative marketing campaign hurt the film’s reach and prevented many people from watching it.
Producer Alleges Negative Marketing Campaign
According to Mahobiya, negative comments about the film were circulated among YouTubers, influencers and other online personalities. He claimed that this created an atmosphere in which potential viewers were discouraged from watching the movie.
The producer said people who actually watched Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha responded positively, but argued that the film could not generate a fair audience opinion if people were being told not to watch it.
He further alleged that his team had received information about possible paid promotional activity aimed at creating negative publicity around the film.
These claims have not been independently established, and Mahobiya himself stopped short of making a direct accusation against any particular production house.
Was the Ramayana Team Behind It?
The controversy becomes more interesting because Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha arrived ahead of Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated Ramayana, backed by Namit Malhotra and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
When Mahobiya was specifically asked whether he believed the team behind the upcoming Ramayana was responsible for the alleged negative campaign, he did not confirm it.
Instead, the producer said he did not know for certain but claimed that this was what his team had been told. This distinction is important because there is currently no independent evidence establishing that Namit Malhotra, Nitesh Tiwari or their team organised any such campaign.
Film Faced Criticism Before Release
Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha had already attracted controversy before reaching theatres. Casting choices, particularly Anjali Arora’s portrayal of Sita, became a subject of online debate.
The film’s visual effects also received mixed reactions. A viral image allegedly showing a member of the Vanar Sena wearing spectacles further fuelled criticism on social media. However, the filmmakers later clarified that the image was promotional artwork and not a frame from the theatrical film.
The trailer itself had received mixed reactions, with some viewers criticising its visuals and performances while others compared it favourably with previous mythological adaptations.
Makers Plan to Bring the Film Back
Despite the disappointing first theatrical run, Mahobiya has revealed that the makers are planning to re-release the film in cinemas.
The new release date has not yet been announced. Interestingly, the team is not currently planning major reshoots. The film is expected to return largely in its existing form, with the makers hoping that a second theatrical opportunity will allow it to connect with a larger audience.
Mahobiya said his primary concern is not simply recovering the financial loss but ensuring that more people get an opportunity to watch the film and make their own judgement.
Audience Feedback Gives Makers Confidence
The producer also revealed that his team sought feedback from viewers in states including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
According to Mahobiya, the feedback from people who watched the film was encouraging. This reportedly played a role in the decision to give the movie another theatrical opportunity.
The producer has acknowledged that making and marketing a film for the first time has been a learning experience. He also admitted that he was new to the film industry and did not have extensive experience in marketing a theatrical project.
Why the Ramayana Competition Matters
The timing of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha has also added another layer to its journey. The film is based on the same epic that is being adapted on a much larger scale by Nitesh Tiwari.
The upcoming Ramayana, produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Its scale and star cast have generated considerable anticipation.
Mahobiya, however, maintains that his film and the upcoming project are significantly different in their approach.
He also pointed out that Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha had been announced before the larger Ramayana project and that his team had already started shooting when the other film was announced.
Anjali Arora Leads the Mythological Drama
Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha features Anjali Arora, Dev Sharma and Rajneish Duggal in key roles.
For Mahobiya, the film represents his first major experience as a producer and, despite the difficulties surrounding its theatrical release, he remains confident about the project.
The upcoming re-release will now provide the film with another opportunity to reach audiences.
Whether the second theatrical run can change the movie’s fortunes remains to be seen. For now, the controversy surrounding the alleged negative marketing, the competition from bigger Ramayana adaptations and the makers’ decision to re-release the film have put Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha back in the spotlight.
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