Anjali Arora's 'Ramayana' Flop: Producer Blames Paid Smear Campaign
Following a dismal theatrical run after releasing on September 25, the team behind the mythological feature The Epic Shri Ramayana Katha has come out swinging against rival industry forces. In an interview with India Today, the film’s producer Prakash Mahobia alleged that the poor box office reception was not an organic rejection by audiences, but rather the outcome of an aggressive, pre-planned smear campaign. Mahobia claimed that digital misinformation and paid negative PR systematically prevented neutral moviegoers from giving the independent mythological retelling a fair shot in cinemas. Defiant in the face of commercial setbacks, he revealed that the production house is now preparing for a strategic re-release to allow the project to reach viewers free from digital interference.
Unpacking the Bribery Charges: Influencers and Big-Budget Rivalry in the Crosshairs
Detailing the nature of the alleged sabotage, Mahobia claimed that creators, digital influencers, and online reviewers were incentivized to trash the film before and during its run. He directly linked the orchestrated negative discourse to major high-budget mythological spectacles currently under production on the same epic theme, most notably Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mega-budget Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. According to Mahobia, rival stakeholders weaponized social media ecosystems by offering opportunities and financial kickbacks to online commentators, ensuring audiences were actively discouraged from purchasing tickets. He maintained that viewers who actually bought tickets shared positive feedback, arguing that the release was denied genuine organic discovery from day one.
Backlash Over Anjali Arora’s Casting as Sita and Budgetary Constraints
Despite Mahobia’s accusations of corporate foul play, The Epic Shri Ramayana Katha had found itself mired in controversy long before it hit the big screen. Directed by Abhishek Singh and featuring an ensemble cast including Dev Sharma, Rajneesh Duggal, and social media influencer Anjali Arora, the project sparked severe public criticism immediately after its promotional assets surfaced. Social media users heavily scrutinized the casting of Anjali Arora in the revered role of Goddess Sita, while also criticizing the film’s visual effects and technical execution. While the makers maintain that the backlash was artificially amplified by corporate rivals, the film ended up as a complete commercial washout in its opening week across domestic circuits.
