Mumbai: An action sequence featuring Sita and Lakshmana battling ferocious creatures in the forest has surfaced online from the international version of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. The footage, which is reportedly absent from the Indian theatrical release, has sparked considerable discussion on social media, with viewers questioning why the makers chose to exclude the scene from the domestic version.

The sequence features Sita and an injured Lakshmana attempting to escape from three wolf-like creatures during their forest exile. As the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, the two seek shelter inside a cave behind a waterfall. Sita picks up her weapons and prepares to defend herself, while Lakshmana gets ready to fight despite his injuries.

Just when the creatures appear ready to attack, three arrows strike them. The scene then reveals Rama arriving with his bow and arrow to rescue Sita and Lakshmana.

The action-packed footage has attracted attention for its visual effects, portrayal of Sita as a warrior and Rama’s dramatic intervention. Its appearance in an international version, despite being missing from Indian theatres, has raised fresh questions about the film’s editing and the differences between its domestic and overseas cuts.

Sita and Lakshmana fight wolf-like creatures in viral scene

The leaked sequence is set during the period when Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are living in exile in the forest. It reportedly follows the Surpanakha episode and connects with the confrontation involving 14,000 Rakshasas led by Khara, Dushana and Trishira.

In the footage circulating online, Sita and Lakshmana are seen fleeing from three aggressive, wolf-like creatures. Lakshmana appears injured, making their escape particularly difficult.

The two eventually find refuge inside a cave located behind a waterfall. However, their temporary shelter does not offer complete protection as the creatures continue approaching them.

As the danger increases, Sita takes up her weapons and prepares to confront the attackers. Lakshmana also positions himself to defend them despite his injuries.

The turning point comes when three arrows suddenly strike the creatures, bringing them down. The camera then reveals Rama, who arrives with his bow and arrow to save them.

The dramatic intervention has become one of the most discussed aspects of the circulating footage, with viewers highlighting the action choreography and the visual presentation of the sequence.

Why was the action sequence removed from Indian theatres?

The biggest question surrounding the viral footage concerns its absence from the Indian theatrical version.

Several viewers have questioned why a sequence featuring Sita and Lakshmana in an action-oriented situation was not included in the domestic release, particularly when footage from an international version appears to contain the scene.

The discussion has also renewed interest in the different edits prepared for Indian and overseas audiences.

Earlier reports suggested that the international English version of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend was approximately 30 minutes shorter than the Indian Hindi version. Songs and certain narrative portions were reportedly trimmed to make the overseas version more suitable for international audiences.

However, the appearance of an additional action sequence in international footage has created further confusion about the editing decisions.

It remains unclear whether the scene was deliberately reserved for a particular international version, removed from the Indian theatrical cut during the final editing process or included in a different version of the film.

The filmmakers have not issued an official clarification explaining the omission. They have also not confirmed whether the sequence will be restored in subsequent theatrical, digital or home-video releases.

Sita’s action scenes spark discussion among viewers

The viral footage has also brought renewed attention to the portrayal of Sita in Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation.

Traditionally, Sita is remembered for her strength, devotion, courage and resilience throughout the events of the Ramayana. Her character faces several extraordinary challenges during her exile and captivity in Lanka.

The newly surfaced sequence presents another cinematic interpretation, showing her actively preparing to defend herself against dangerous creatures.

This portrayal has generated discussions about how the filmmakers have approached the character and balanced traditional elements with the demands of a large-scale action spectacle.

The sequence also highlights the relationship between Sita and Lakshmana during their forest exile, with both characters preparing to confront danger before Rama arrives.

While some viewers have praised the action-oriented presentation, others are primarily interested in understanding why the footage was excluded from the Indian theatrical release.

Ramayana prepares for Hong Kong theatrical release

Meanwhile, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is continuing its international theatrical expansion, with the film scheduled to release in Hong Kong on November 12, 2026.

Advance bookings have opened across the Broadway cinema network, including screenings at Premiere Elements.

The Hong Kong release will feature the Hindi version with Mandarin and English subtitles, allowing audiences unfamiliar with the language to follow the story.

The international release is another step in the makers’ efforts to take the Indian epic to audiences outside the country.

The film’s growing overseas presence has also drawn attention to its different language versions, editing choices and presentation for international viewers.

Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana approaches Rs 400-crore milestone

The film’s commercial performance has added to the excitement surrounding its international release.

According to Sacnilk estimates, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend collected approximately Rs 375.50 crore worldwide in its first three days. The reported total places the film within reach of the Rs 400-crore milestone.

Overseas markets have contributed significantly to the film’s worldwide earnings, strengthening its position as a major Indian cinematic release.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the ambitious adaptation features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.

The supporting cast includes Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Kajal Aggarwal and Vivek Oberoi, among others.

The production aims to present the ancient Indian epic through large-scale filmmaking, advanced visual effects and an international cinematic approach.

Makers yet to clarify different versions of the film

The missing Sita-Lakshmana action sequence has added another layer to the conversation surrounding Ramayana: Rise of a Legend.

While the footage has attracted attention for its visual effects and dramatic storytelling, the central question remains why it was not included in the Indian theatrical version.

With the film expanding into additional international markets, viewers are also becoming increasingly interested in understanding how the domestic and overseas edits differ.

Until the makers issue an official statement, the reasons behind the omission remain unclear. Whether the sequence will eventually be restored in another release is also yet to be confirmed.

For now, the viral footage has generated fresh interest in the film’s editing decisions and the cinematic interpretation of Sita and Lakshmana during their forest exile.