Ramayana Part 1: A Cinematic Triumph with Stunning Visuals and Performances

Ramayana Part 1 has made a grand entrance into theaters, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals and powerful performances. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film explores the timeless tale of Ramayana, featuring a stellar cast including Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. While the film excels in visual effects and character depth, it faces challenges in pacing and musical execution. The portrayal of iconic characters like Ravana and Sita adds emotional weight to the narrative. As viewers eagerly await the second installment, the film sets a high bar for cinematic adaptations of this beloved epic.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2026, 14:23 IST

Audience Euphoria as Ramayana Hits Theaters

—Rajesh Kumar Bhagatani

As eager viewers awaited the epic's cinematic debut, the sight of the Ramayana's censor board certificate ignited a wave of applause in theaters. The entry of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram prompted audiences to chant 'Jai Shree Ram,' showcasing the timeless resonance of the Indian epic across generations.

Cultural Significance of Ramayana

The narrative of Ramayana has been deeply ingrained in Indian culture for centuries. It's rare to find an Indian who hasn't heard, read, or seen the Ramayana, or participated in a school play depicting it. Nearly four decades ago, Ramanand Sagar's television adaptation captivated the nation, halting daily life every Sunday as families gathered around their screens, creating a cultural phenomenon that still lingers in collective memory. Crafting a film that stands up to such a legacy is no small feat.

A Promising Cinematic Adaptation

Namit Malhotra's film largely meets expectations, with director Nitesh Tiwari presenting a familiar tale in a fresh cinematic style. The film features a stellar cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, adding to its appeal.

Pacing and Character Development

The story is based on Maharishi Valmiki's Ramayana, beginning with Ravana's backstory before gradually shifting focus to his greatest adversary, Lord Ram. The film's initial segments aim to establish the personalities and ideological differences between the two main characters. The screenplay by Shreedar Raghavan and Nitesh Tiwari effectively incorporates emotional and dramatic elements, although the first half progresses at a slower pace.

Two-Part Structure Enhances Character Depth

The decision to split the film into two parts allows for deeper character exploration. However, this results in a lengthy introduction for each major character, which can disrupt the narrative flow, making the first half feel somewhat stretched. Additionally, minor flaws in the AI-generated dubbing are noticeable.

Action-Packed Second Half

The second half picks up speed, featuring a series of action-packed and visually stunning sequences that successfully engage the audience. The visual effects, crafted by DNEG, stand out as one of the film's highlights, reflecting the substantial investment of approximately ₹4,000 crores in its technical aspects.

Respecting the Original Narrative

The filmmakers have been careful to present the core elements and beliefs associated with the Ramayana. Key scenes, such as Ravana's conquest of Kubera's Lanka and his devotion to Lord Shiva, are depicted effectively, maintaining the story's integrity and avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued previous adaptations.

Music Falls Short of Expectations

The film's music and background score have been a topic of much anticipation, especially with renowned composer Hans Zimmer collaborating with Indian music legend A.R. Rahman. While the score enhances certain scenes, it ultimately does not reach the heights expected from such a partnership, leaving some viewers disappointed.

Yash Shines as Ravana

In terms of performances, Yash delivers a powerful portrayal of Ravana, showcasing confidence and charisma that bring the character to life. The filmmakers creatively depict Ravana's ten heads, exploring his multifaceted personality.

Ranbir Kapoor's Mixed Performance as Ram

While Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram has its strengths, it falls short of the profound impact that audiences associate with the character. His performance lacks the spiritual depth and reverence expected from such a pivotal role, especially when compared to Arun Govil's iconic portrayal in the past.

Sai Pallavi's Heartfelt Performance as Sita

Sai Pallavi's depiction of Sita dispels any doubts about her casting, as she embodies grace and emotional depth, effectively representing the character's essence.

Memorable Scenes and Emotional Depth

One of the film's most impactful moments involves Jatayu's heroic attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana, portrayed with grandeur and emotional weight that resonates with viewers. Anupam Kher's voice adds depth to this pivotal character.

Anticipation for the Next Installment

Overall, while the film faces challenges in pacing and musical execution, it succeeds in establishing a unique identity through strong performances and impressive visuals. As audiences look forward to the second part, which will feature Sunny Deol as Hanuman, the stakes are high for the filmmakers to deliver an equally compelling continuation of this epic tale.