Ramayana Part 1 Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash Deliver an Epic Visual Triumph in Nitesh Tiwari’s Masterpiece

When director Nitesh Tiwari first announced his monumental cinematic undertaking of Maharishi Valmiki’s immortal epic, expectations were sky-high yet tempered by past misfires in Indian mythological filmmaking. Arriving in cinemas worldwide on November 5, 2026, Ramayana: Part 1 (subtitled Rise of a Legend) proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that with immense reverence, pristine artistic conviction, and world-class craftsmanship, ancient Indian lore can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest cinematic epics ever crafted.

Anchored by a serene, regal performance from Ranbir Kapoor as Maryada Purushottam Lord Rama, ethereal emotional depth from Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita, a magnetic and fearsome turn by Kannada superstar Yash as Lankeshwar Ravana, and an electrifying musical confluence by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, Ramayana: Part 1 is not merely a film—it is a soul-stirring visual and spiritual milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage.

Quick Overview: Ramayana: Part 1 Details & Scorecard

Narrative Scope: The Pure Emotion of Bala Kanda to Aranya Kanda

Rather than rushing headlong into relentless battle sequences, Nitesh Tiwari and his writing team make the brilliant creative choice in Part 1 to allow the narrative to breathe, establish deep familial stakes, and honor the philosophy of Dharma. The film meticulously charts the journey across three foundational stages:

• The Splendor of Ayodhya & Guru Gurukul: The formative childhood of the four Ikshvaku princes under Guru Vashistha, the breaking of Lord Shiva’s celestial bow (Pinaka) at Mithila, and the divine Swayamvar of Sita.
• The Sorrow of Exile (Vanvaas): The heartbreak of Dasharatha, Kaikeyi’s fateful boon triggered by Manthara’s whispers, and Rama’s unflinching grace as he gives up the golden throne of Kosala without a shred of resentment.
• The Wilderness of Dandakaranya & Sita Haran: The hermitage at Panchavati, the fateful confrontation with Shurpanakha, the optical wonder of the Golden Deer (Maricha), and the tragic, high-stakes abduction of Sita by Ravana leading up to the heroic sacrifice of Jatayu.

The pacing across its 190-minute canvas is deliberately measured in the first half, investing deeply in the bond between Rama and Lakshmana, the quiet intellectual companionship of Rama and Sita, and the tragic grief that overwhelms Ayodhya. By the time the interval arrives, audiences are emotionally devastated by the parting at the Sarayu river, setting up a razor-sharp, suspenseful second half.

Performance Review: Character Deliveries That Define Generations

1. Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama: The Epitome of Calm, Dignity & Quiet Steel

Stepping into the sandals of Maryada Purushottam is perhaps the most scrutinized casting challenge in Indian cinema history. Ranbir Kapoor silences all skeptics with a performance rooted in extraordinary restraint, divine poise, and vocal tranquility. He captures the soft, compassionate grace of Rama’s eyes during moments of forgiveness, while effortlessly conveying internal fortitude when drawing the bowstring. His emotional dialogue delivery during his farewell to his mothers in Ayodhya brings genuine tears to the screen.

2. Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita: Pure Grace, Resilience & Spiritual Gravitas

Sai Pallavi is nothing short of transcendent. Moving away from standard theatrical melodrama, she imbues Mata Sita with radiant dignity, scholarly intellect, and deep spiritual resolve. Her chemistry with Ranbir Kapoor feels sacred and deeply poetic. In the Panchavati sequences and the grueling confrontation against Ravana in the golden chariot, Pallavi’s expressive eyes portray fearlessness and unshakable devotion to truth.

3. Yash as Lankeshwar Ravana: A Colossal, Magnetizing Antagonist

When “Rocking Star” Yash makes his entry as the ten-headed master of Golden Lanka, the theater roars. Yash commands the screen with a booming baritone, imperial swagger, and terrifying mythological menace. Importantly, Tiwari’s script does not reduce Ravana to a cartoonish villain; he is depicted as a formidable scholar of the Vedas, a supreme devotee of Mahadeva, and an unconquerable warrior consumed by hubris. Yash’s screen presence electrifies the second half of the film, culminating in a jaw-dropping aerial duel against Jatayu.

4. Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman & Supporting Gems

While Lord Hanuman’s central saga unfolds primarily in Part 2 (Sundara Kanda and Yuddha Kanda), Sunny Deol’s prologue appearance and towering presence as Maruti provide goosebump-inducing moments that set the stage for an explosive sequel. Veteran actor Arun Govil (the original TV Rama) brings immense nostalgia and paternal sorrow as King Dasharatha, while Lara Dutta delivers a layered, tragic portrayal of Queen Kaikeyi torn between maternal ambition and devastating guilt. Ravi Dubey shines as the fiercely loyal, short-tempered yet devoted Lakshmana.

Visual Grandeur & Technical Brilliance: DNEG Delivers Hollywood-Grade Wonder

Unlike previous mythological productions plagued by unnatural green screens and garish CGI, Ramayana: Part 1 utilizes the full technological might of Academy Award-winning VFX studio DNEG. Every frame feels tactile, vast, and grounded:

• Ayodhya’s Architecture: Handcrafted stone temples, sunlit marble courtyards, and thousands of real extras blended seamlessly with photorealistic extensions of the Sarayu river.
• Golden Lanka & Pushpaka Vimana: The aerial perspective of Ravana’s city—built with black obsidian pillars and gleaming golden towers—feels towering, intimidating, and majestic. The aerodynamic, mythical rendition of the Pushpaka Vimana is an absolute visual treat.
• The Jatayu Fight Sequence: The clash in the skies between Ravana and the mighty bird-king Jatayu is undoubtedly the technical centerpiece of Part 1. The feather dynamics, fluid camera rotations, and raw physical weight of the duel rival anything seen in modern Hollywood blockbusters.

Musical Masterpiece: A.R. Rahman & Hans Zimmer’s Divine Symphony

The collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer is a match made in cinematic heaven. Rahman handles the soulful, devotional soul of Ayodhya and Mithila—infusing classical ragas, shehnai melodies, and Vedic mantras into heart-stirring hymns. Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer unleashes thundering brass, primal drums, and ominous choral chants that define Ravana’s realm and the impending cosmic conflict.

The main title theme, blending ancient Sanskrit shlokas with Zimmer’s signature low-end brass swell, reverberates through Dolby Atmos audio systems, sending shivers down the spine.

Critical Analysis: Strengths vs. Areas for Improvement

Box Office Momentum & Global Impact

The critical acclaim aligns perfectly with the film’s historic pre-release commercial trajectory. As reported earlier on Udaipur Mirror, the film shattered previous pre-sales benchmarks globally, crossing massive worldwide advance figures on its way to setting all-time opening day records (read our comprehensive analysis here: Ramayana Advance Booking Global Collection Report).

With glowing word-of-mouth pouring in from early morning shows across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and overseas territories, Ramayana: Part 1 is tracking to post one of the biggest opening weekends in Indian cinema history.

Final Verdict: An Unmissable Big-Screen Epic for Every Generation

Ramayana: Part 1 is a cinematic triumph of the highest order. Nitesh Tiwari treats India’s greatest epic with the deep spiritual reverence it deserves while leveraging cutting-edge Hollywood technology to craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Ranbir Kapoor’s divine restraint, Sai Pallavi’s graceful emotion, and Yash’s thunderous charisma ensure that this film will be cherished by families and film purists for decades to come.

Verdict: Do not miss this in cinemas—experience it on the largest IMAX 3D screen possible!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Ramayana: Part 1

Is Ramayana: Part 1 worth watching in IMAX 3D?

Yes, absolutely. The film was specially calibrated for IMAX 3D and premium large formats. The aerial vistas of Ayodhya, the dense greenery of Dandakaranya, and the sky battle of Jatayu against Ravana look stunning with crisp native stereoscopic depth.

Which portion of the epic is covered in Ramayana: Part 1?

Part 1 spans from the birth and education of the four princes in Ayodhya (Bala Kanda), the marriage of Rama and Sita, the 14-year exile through Kosala (Ayodhya Kanda), up to the tragic abduction of Sita by Ravana in Panchavati and Rama’s vow to rescue her (Aranya Kanda). The alliance with Sugriva, Hanuman’s journey, and the grand battle of Lanka will form Part 2.

When will Ramayana: Part 2 release in theaters?

According to producers Prime Focus and Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana: Part 2 has been shot simultaneously and is slated for a worldwide release in late 2027 during the Diwali window.