Ramayana Part-1 Movie Review- 2026

Movie: Ramayana: Part 1 (2026)

Director: Nitesh Tiwari

Production: Namit Malhotra

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey & Others

Music: A. R. Rahman

Background Score: A. R. Rahman & Hans Zimmer

Cinematography: Pankaj Kumar & Mahesh

Editing: Huzefa Lokhandwala

Release Date: 05/11/2026

Language: Hindi

Genre: Mythological Epic, Drama & Fantasy

4.75/5

A Timeless Epic, A Divine Spectacle — A Magnificent Ode to Valmiki's Ramayana!

---

01. What's Ramayana: Part 1 Up To?

THE GREATEST EPIC EVER COMPOSED IN INDIAN HISTORY — VALMIKI'S RAMAYANA — FINALLY UNFOLDS ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH THE GRANDEUR IT DESERVES!

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 primarily explores the Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda and Aranya Kanda, with selected episodes and interpretations from the wider Ramayana tradition. And what makes this adaptation particularly special is the director's evident sincerity in returning to the original epic rather than merely recycling familiar cinematic versions.

The film begins on an unexpectedly grand note, exploring the conflict between the Devas and Asuras, the ambitions of Kaikasi and Ravana's rise to power, eventually leading to his conquest of Lanka. From there, the narrative shifts to Ayodhya, establishing the circumstances behind Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Rama and the destiny awaiting him.

WHAT A SETUP!

We all know the story. We know the characters, the conflicts and even the eventual outcome. Yet the film manages to make these familiar events feel exciting, emotional and surprisingly fresh.

That's the power of the Ramayana!

Part 1 is essentially a grand foundation for an even bigger second instalment. It establishes Rama's journey, Ravana's ambitions, the emotional turmoil of Ayodhya and the events that ultimately lead to Sita's abduction.

As someone who has read and deeply admired Valmiki's Ramayana, I was genuinely impressed by how closely the film follows the essence of the epic. I'd say a substantial majority of the narrative remains faithful to the original, despite a few creative liberties.

One sequence particularly stood out to me: during the confrontation with Khara and Dushana's forces, Rama unleashes the powerful Vaishnavastra while Sita and Lakshmana seek refuge from its force. The scene communicates its mythological significance almost entirely through visuals, without unnecessary exposition.

THAT'S CINEMATIC STORYTELLING ROOTED IN AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE EPIC!

There are several such moments where the director's attention to detail becomes evident.

Of course, the film occasionally commercialises certain episodes and takes liberties with characterisation. But the larger intention remains clear: to present the Ramayana as a magnificent cinematic experience without sacrificing its spiritual and emotional essence.

And for the most part, it succeeds beautifully.

---

02. Is it worth  the Watch?

100% YES! AND STRICTLY IN THEATRES!

I was genuinely AWESTRUCK!

I don't know how everyone else will experience this film, but as an ardent admirer of Valmiki's Ramayana, watching passages and events I've known through the epic come alive on screen was an extraordinary feeling.

At several points, I almost forgot I was watching a movie.

I knew what was coming next. I could anticipate the events, the conversations and the emotional turning points.

YET I WAS STILL GETTING GOOSEBUMPS!

That's what makes this experience special.

For perhaps the first time on this scale, I felt that a filmmaker was attempting to bring the richness of Valmiki's Ramayana to the screen with such genuine commitment.

The enormous production scale, sophisticated visual effects, magnificent action blocks and immersive musical treatment make the theatrical experience absolutely worthwhile.

The first half is particularly spectacular, with Ravana's portions delivering some breathtaking cinematic moments. The second half moves into more traditional emotional and mythological drama, occasionally slowing down, but never losing the essence of the story.

For audiences unfamiliar with the Ramayana, the grandeur and spectacle should be captivating, although the extensive dramatic portions may test their patience.

But for those who already know and love the epic?

THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE TO CHERISH!

My expectations were already enormous, and the film managed to exceed them.

---

03. What Clicks?

⭐ Yash as Ravana — A THUNDEROUS PRESENCE!

MANNN! WHAT AN AURA!

Yash absolutely dominates the screen as Ravana.

His introduction, the early battles, the Shiva Tandava Stotram sequence and his larger-than-life presence are among the film's biggest cinematic highlights.

I'm appreciating this strictly from a cinematic perspective, not glorifying Ravana's actions or moral character.

The way he's presented is simply breathtaking.

Every major Ravana sequence carries scale, intensity and a commanding screen presence. His portions in the first half are especially electrifying.

YASH IS A BEAST ON SCREEN!

⭐ Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama — TAILOR-MADE!

There were several doubts surrounding Ranbir Kapoor's casting before the film's release.

But once he appears on screen, most of those doubts simply disappear.

He brings the grace, charm, composure, dignity and physical presence required to portray Lord Rama. His expressions, restrained emotions and screen presence make the character convincing without constantly relying on exaggerated heroism.

The emotional scenes involving Dasharatha, his bond with Lakshmana and his journey alongside Vishwamitra are particularly effective.

Ranbir has delivered one of the most memorable portrayals of his career.

For me, he's also among the finest cinematic portrayals of Rama.

⭐ Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana — ANOTHER PERFECT CASTING!

What a wonderful surprise!

Ravi Dubey brings tremendous energy to Lakshmana, beautifully capturing his wit, aggression, devotion and unwavering loyalty towards Rama.

Some might interpret his sharp temperament as cinematic exaggeration, but Lakshmana's fiery personality is very much part of the epic tradition.

The brotherly bond between Rama and Lakshmana is one of the film's strongest emotional pillars.

Sai Pallavi as Sita — MY BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT!

Unfortunately, this is where I have my strongest disagreement with the casting and characterisation.

Sai Pallavi gets a substantial role, but I found her portrayal surprisingly underwhelming.

There were several emotionally demanding sequences where I expected far greater intensity, vulnerability and depth. Instead, her expressions frequently felt restrained to the point of appearing blank.

The abduction sequence was particularly disappointing.

I expected Sita's fear, anguish, resistance and desperation to be conveyed with much greater emotional force. Even Jatayu's sacrifice deserved a stronger reaction from her.

I'm not saying the character was entirely badly written or performed, but for such an iconic and emotionally significant role, I expected considerably more.

The creative liberties taken with Sita's character also bothered me. Presenting her with a more pronounced warrior-like identity and modifying certain interactions, particularly around Surpanakha and Lakshmana, felt unnecessary when the rest of the film was trying so sincerely to remain faithful to Valmiki's narrative.

Why alter Sita's character so noticeably when so much else was handled with such care?

For me, this was the film's biggest missed opportunity.

Supporting Cast

The remaining cast contributes effectively, especially in the Ayodhya portions.

Dasharatha's heartbreak and the emotional turmoil surrounding Rama's exile are beautifully portrayed.

And then there's Hanuman!

Although Sunny Deol's Hanuman is only briefly teased, that glimpse of him flying across the ocean, accompanied by devotional music, was enough to trigger whistles and applause in the theatre.

JUST IMAGINE WHAT PART 2 HAS IN STORE!

Story, Emotions & Memorable Sequences

Several sequences deserve special appreciation:

- Ravana's introductory battles and the Shiva Tandava Stotram.

- Rama accompanying Vishwamitra and confronting Tataka.

- The emotional departure from Ayodhya.

- Dasharatha's heartbreak and the kingdom mourning Rama's exile.

- The Khara-Dushana confrontation.

- The spectacular Jatayu-Ravana battle.

- The brief but electrifying Hanuman glimpse.

The interval, featuring Rama's departure into exile, is emotionally powerful despite being entirely expected.

And the climax involving Jatayu?

ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR!

The film ends rather abruptly, but that is also the nature of a two-part epic. Instead of feeling satisfied that the story has paused, I found myself desperately wanting the next chapter.

We all know what happens next.

BUT WE STILL WANT TO SEE IT!

If that doesn't demonstrate the timeless power of the Ramayana, what does?

Technical Aspects

Music & Background Score — A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer

A beautiful combination.

The music isn't necessarily designed around instantly catchy or foot-tapping songs. Instead, it complements the spiritual, emotional and mythological atmosphere.

Several sequences benefit enormously from the subtle orchestration and devotional undertones.

Ravana's musical portions are particularly goosebumps-worthy.

The experience and craftsmanship of both composers are evident.

VFX & Production Design

WORLD-CLASS!

The kingdoms, palaces, landscapes, divine weapons, battle sequences and fantastical elements are presented with extraordinary richness.

The enormous budget genuinely translates onto the screen.

The film creates an epic world that feels immersive, grand and visually convincing, with very few distracting artificial-looking moments.

Cinematography

The compositions and landscapes are beautiful, although I have a significant complaint about the excessive darkness in several scenes.

Editing

Mostly effective, considering the enormous material being adapted.

There are stretches of conventional drama and a few sequences that could have been shortened, but the film largely maintains its momentum.

Action & Choreography

The battles are magnificent.

The weapon designs, visual effects and staging give several confrontations a truly international cinematic scale.

---

04. What Went Wrong?

Despite my enormous appreciation, Ramayana: Part 1 isn't entirely flawless.

1. Sita's Characterisation and Performance

This is unquestionably my biggest disappointment.

The film gives Rama, Ravana and Lakshmana such memorable cinematic identities, yet Sita doesn't receive the same emotional impact.

The creative liberties surrounding her character, combined with Sai Pallavi's comparatively subdued performance, left me dissatisfied.

2. Missing or Underexplored Episodes

As someone familiar with Valmiki's Ramayana, I missed several important moments.

Ahalya's liberation, the accounts surrounding Ganga and Subramanya, a more extensive portrayal of Dasharatha's grief, Surpanakha's attack on Sita and the full emotional intensity of the Sita-Ravana confrontation during the abduction deserved greater attention.

I understand that adapting an enormous epic within a limited cinematic runtime is extraordinarily difficult.

But couldn't some of these moments have been incorporated through a montage or song?

I also found Maricha's early placement in Ravana's Lanka confusing, considering his association with Tataka, Subahu and the disturbances faced by sages in the forest.

The extended Vidyutjihva-related confrontation involving Ravana in the second half also felt somewhat forced, despite its connection to the wider epic tradition.

3. Excessively Dark Visuals

This is my biggest technical complaint.

The contrast is frequently too high, and several sequences appear unnecessarily dark.

Even moments involving lightning and large-scale visual spectacle sometimes lack adequate brightness.

At certain points, I genuinely found myself straining my eyes to appreciate the visuals.

For a film with such extraordinary production design and VFX, this was frustrating.

4. Occasional Commercialisation and Dramatic Stretching

A few dialogues and action sequences are clearly designed for cinematic elevation rather than strict textual fidelity.

The second half also contains extended dramatic portions that may test the patience of general audiences, especially given the approximately three-and-a-half-hour runtime.

However, these issues never seriously damaged my overall experience.

My complaints are significant, but the film's achievements are far greater.

---

05. Finally?

A MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE!

Ramayana: Part 1 is not merely another mythological film.

For me, it is a genuine, emotionally moving and visually magnificent tribute to Valmiki's timeless epic.

Nitesh Tiwari deserves enormous appreciation for approaching such a culturally significant story with ambition, sincerity and an evident understanding of its narrative depth.

Ranbir Kapoor delivers a wonderful Rama, Ravi Dubey impresses as Lakshmana, and Yash's Ravana is an absolute cinematic spectacle.

The music, visual effects, production design, emotional sequences and breathtaking action make this a theatrical experience worth remembering.

Yes, I was disappointed by Sita's portrayal.

Yes, I missed certain episodes from the original epic.

And yes, the dark visuals and occasional creative liberties bothered me.

But none of those concerns could overshadow the emotion I experienced watching a story I've loved for years unfold with such grandeur.

The first part has laid a spectacular foundation. Now I simply cannot wait for the second!

⭐ FINAL VERDICT: 4.75/5

STRICTLY THEATRICAL — PREFERABLY IMAX, PXL OR ANOTHER PREMIUM LARGE FORMAT!

Families, mythology lovers, devotees, fans of grand fantasy cinema and anyone who appreciates an ambitious cinematic experience should watch it.

It also has tremendous repeat value, particularly for the action, musical and emotionally significant sequences.

Valmiki gave us an immortal epic. Nitesh Tiwari has given that epic a magnificent cinematic canvas.

RAMAYANA IS ETERNAL — AND THIS RETELLING IS TRULY WORTHY OF ITS GRANDEUR!