Viral Ramayana play in Karachi thrills Indians.

Viral Ramayana play in Karachi thrills Indians.

The role of Sita in the Karachi-based Ramayana play was portrayed by the play’s producer, Rana Kazmi, who described the project as a creatively fulfilling experience. Kazmi’s performance, along with the rest of the cast, received widespread praise from both critics and audiences. The production stood out for its vibrant costumes, captivating live music, and the overall immersive theatrical experience it offered. Viewers appreciated the respectful adaptation of the Indian epic on a Pakistani stage, highlighting the play’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and promote artistic and regional harmony through shared heritage.

Mumbai/Karachi: The ancient Indian epic Ramayana is having a remarkable global moment — not just in India, but across the border in Pakistan too. What began as a major cinematic announcement in Mumbai has now blossomed into a heartfelt cultural expression in Karachi, proving once again that stories have no boundaries.

It all started when acclaimed Indian director Nitesh Tiwari, known for films like Dangal, announced an ambitious cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana with none other than Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor stepping into the shoes of Lord Rama. The project is already creating waves, not just for its star-studded cast, but also for its jaw-dropping scale and vision.

With an estimated budget of ₹4000 crore — one of the highest ever in Indian cinema — the film is being backed by an ensemble of global creative forces. The music is in the capable hands of two Oscar-winning legends: A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Visual effects will be crafted by DNEG, the studio known for their award-winning work on Dune, Interstellar, and Inception. The film will release in IMAX format on Diwali 2026, with Part 2 already lined up for 2027.

This wasn’t just a simple play. It was a bold, imaginative reimagination that combined traditional performance with modern technology. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the production team enhanced the experience with dazzling visual effects, creative lighting, and modern storytelling techniques that breathed fresh life into this ancient tale.

Audiences in Pakistan were left spellbound.

The play’s director, Yoheshwar Karera, spoke passionately about the experience. “I was never afraid of backlash. To me, bringing the Ramayana to the stage is a visual celebration, not a political act. It shows that Pakistani society is far more open-minded than people outside give it credit for,” he said.

Karera’s statement resonates deeply in a region often defined by historical tensions. Here was a Pakistani director, telling an Indian mythological story with honesty, integrity, and admiration — and doing it with the full support of local artists, audiences, and cultural bodies.

A Producer’s Devotion

Adding another layer to the story, the role of Sita — one of the most revered characters in the Ramayana — was played by none other than the play’s producer, Rana Kazmi. Her performance was met with heartfelt applause. For Kazmi, this project was more than just theatre. It was a labor of love.

She described the entire journey as “creatively rewarding and spiritually uplifting.” Critics and audiences alike praised her poise, emotional depth, and grace. The elaborate costumes, powerful live music, and immersive storytelling made the production an unforgettable experience.

Even more touching was how the play created a space where people from different faiths and backgrounds came together — not just to watch a story, but to feel it.

Bridging Cultures Through Art

At a time when headlines are often dominated by division, violence, and mistrust, this cross-border celebration of the Ramayana feels like a balm — a quiet reminder that the human spirit longs for connection more than conflict.

What’s even more remarkable is that the two Ramayana projects — one in the glamorous world of Mumbai cinema and the other on a humble stage in Karachi — are happening simultaneously, without collaboration, yet somehow in harmony. It’s as though the story itself is guiding its journey across borders.

This moment is not just about art imitating life. It’s about art healing life. In Mumbai, a mega-budget production shows the power of cinema to reimagine legends with global flair. In Karachi, a brave stage performance shows how storytelling can reclaim shared cultural spaces, even in places where such narratives are rarely seen.

A Shared Legacy

It’s important to remember that the Ramayana is not just a story owned by one nation. Versions of it exist throughout South and Southeast Asia — from Thailand’s Ramakien to Indonesia’s shadow puppetry to Nepal’s temples dedicated to Sita. It’s a cultural epic that belongs to millions, across geographies and generations.

And now, its latest chapters are being written in two vibrant cities — Mumbai and Karachi — by artists who may live on opposite sides of a border, but are connected by something deeper: the love of storytelling.

Final Thoughts

As the world prepares to witness Ranbir Kapoor’s Rama on the big screen next year, perhaps we should also take a moment to appreciate the quieter, more grassroots moment unfolding in Pakistan. Because while the budgets and mediums may differ, the heart behind both projects is the same.

It is the heart that believes in the power of myth, the necessity of beauty, and the unifying force of art.

In these divided times, that may be the most powerful message the Ramayana can offer us all.