Dhanush backs Sai Pallavi amid criticism over her casting as Sita in Ramayana

Actor Dhanush has backed Sai Pallavi amid criticism over her casting as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. Praising her devotion, personality and acting abilities, he questioned the negative conversations around her portrayal of the mythological character.The actors will reunite in the upcoming film OM, nine years after working together in Maari 2. At a pre-release event for the film, Dhanush spoke about Sai Pallavi's dedication on set, her growth as an actor and her performance in a demanding role.A video from the pre-release event has surfaced on social media. In it, Dhanush says he cannot think of anyone better suited to play Sita. He also recalls that Sai Pallavi would pray during breaks while filming with him."There is so much noise and chatter surrounding her portrayal of Sita. I really don't understand it. Even during breaks between shots, she would constantly be praying. Even if you search across all of India, you won't find another Sita like her. She is someone with such profound devotion to God and such a pure heart. She looks so beautiful, and she is a great performer," he said. Dhanush sir on Sai Pallavi mam as Sita Maa "Even if you search across all of India, you won’t find another Sita like her. She is someone with such profound devotion to God, someone with such a pure heart. She looks so beautiful, and she is a great performer. ” The purest praise for the purest Sita during the #OM audio launch on 6th November at Sairam Engineering College, Chennai OM in cinemas worldwide from November 20 @dhanushkraja @Sai_Pallavi92 #ramayana @WorldOfRamayana #saipallavi #dhanush #SaiPallaviAsSita— SaiPallaviCanvas (@pallavicanvas) November 7, 2026 Dhanush also reflected on his first collaboration with Sai Pallavi in Maari 2. He said she was quiet and hesitant to speak at the time. When they reunited for OM nine years later, he was struck by her confidence and command of the craft."When I first met Sai Pallavi during Maari 2, she was so innocent and spoke very little. She would think carefully before saying anything and was hesitant to speak. That was the kind of person she was. Seeing her nine years later on the sets of this film, I found her completely transformed. She had become a totally different person. She stood there as someone who had thoroughly mastered cinema. In her speech, her walk and her expressions, everything reflected immense confidence and poise. It was astonishing," he said. He also praised Sai Pallavi for taking on a demanding role in their upcoming film."Playing this role isn't easy at all. Sai Pallavi took it up boldly and courageously and delivered a wonderful performance," he added.OM marks another collaboration between Dhanush and Sai Pallavi. Mammootty also plays a key role in the film.Sai Pallavi plays Nithya Reddy, a CBI officer who investigates the illegal red sandalwood trade.About RamayanaThe film also features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.The first part of Ramayana was released in theatres on November 5. It's second part is slated to be released in 2028.- Ends