A brief moment in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana trailer has sparked intense discussion among fans. Sai Pallavi’s Sita is seen holding a sword and shield, a portrayal that differs from the image of Sita in the Valmiki Ramayana, where she is remembered for her patience, resilience and devotion.
Published: July 31, 2026, 7:20 PM IST
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Sai Pallavi in Ramayana (PC-Ramayana Trailer)
One scene in the Ramayana trailer has left fans curious. Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, is briefly seen holding a sword and a shield. Since Sita is traditionally portrayed as calm, gentle and devoted in most retellings of the epic, many viewers wondered why she is shown as a warrior. The answer was in the ancient Hindu scriptures. Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana does not depict Sita as a warrior. Instead, she is known for her strength, patience and unwavering faith during her captivity in Lanka. But a few other ancient texts, and regional versions of the epic, show a different side to her.
The Scene:
Sai Pallavi’s sword scene in Ramayana
One such text is called Adbhuta Ramayana, which too is attributed to Maharishi Valmiki. It portrays Sita not merely as Lord Ram’s wife, but the Adi Shakti, the supreme divine feminine energy. It is said that after Lord Ram kills Ravana, an even more powerful demon called Sahasra Ravana (the Ravana with a thousand heads) emerges. In the ensuing battle, Lord Ram faints. Sita then turns into the fierce Mahakali or Bhadrakali and herself kills Sahasra Ravana, thus revealing her divine and warrior side.
Another popular legend associated with Sita’s childhood also emphasises her superhuman strength. According to mythology, she could effortlessly lift Lord Shiva’s Pinaka bow, a weapon so heavy that even mighty kings could not move it. Witnessing this, King Janaka is believed to have decided that only the man capable of lifting the bow would marry his daughter.
These stories suggest that Sita was not only an ideal queen but also a symbol of divine power and courage.
The mythology angle
This could explain why Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana briefly shows Sai Pallavi’s Sita carrying a sword and shield. While the filmmakers have not officially explained the scene, it appears to draw inspiration from lesser-known mythological traditions, particularly the Adbhuta Ramayana, where Sita is portrayed as a powerful warrior rather than only a damsel in distress.
The brief glimpse has already sparked conversations among fans, with many eager to see how the film interprets this lesser-known aspect of Sita’s character.
