'Why Is Marathi Missing?': NCP Leader Flags Language Bias In Ranbir Kapoor’s 'Ramayana', Demands Dub, Re-Release In Maharashtra

Mumbai: Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana is set for a multilingual release, but the absence of Marathi from the language lineup has ignited a debate in Maharashtra. NCP leader Babasaheb Patil has criticized the omission and urged the film’s producers to include a Marathi-dubbed version and re-release the film across the state.

Patil, who heads the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department in Maharashtra, wrote to producer Namit Malhotra to address the language bias. He emphasized Marathi’s rich literary and cultural history, dating back nearly a thousand years, and its status as a Classical Language in India. Patil argued that not including Marathi in the film’s release plan was unjust and missed an opportunity to honor the language.

He also noted Maharashtra’s status as one of the country’s largest theatrical markets, stating that audiences throughout the region should have the chance to watch the film in their native tongue. Patil insisted that his demand was not discriminatory towards any other language or regional version; rather, it was about equal representation for Marathi-speaking viewers.

The controversy emerged as reports suggested an extensive multilingual release strategy for Ramayana, featuring Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. However, Marathi remained absent from the list of languages for the film’s domestic theatrical release. The film has reportedly already crossed the Rs 1,000-crore milestone at the worldwide box office within just eight days of its release.

At present, the producers have not commented publicly on Patil’s request, and no decision has been made regarding a Marathi-dubbed version or a separate theatrical release specifically in Maharashtra.