Nitesh Tiwari takes on one of the biggest responsibilities in Indian cinema with Ramayana Part 1 Rise Of A Legend. Bringing Valmiki’s timeless epic to the big screen on this scale is no ordinary task. Backed by Namit Malhotra and Yash, the film is a visual extravaganza that aims to introduce the legendary tale to a new generation while giving audiences a grand cinematic experience.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Anupam Kher, Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh and a talented ensemble, the film has enormous expectations riding on it. Does it live up to the hype? Largely, yes. While the spectacle is extraordinary, there are moments when the film could have used more emotional depth.
Ramayana Part 1 Story
Based on Valmiki’s epic, Ramayana Part 1 explores the rise of Ravana, the early life of Lord Rama, his marriage to Sita and the events that eventually lead to their exile and Sita’s abduction. The film begins with the Devas and Asuras at war. After years of intense penance, Dashanana (Yash) receives a powerful boon from Lord Brahma. His growing ambition soon makes him a formidable force, challenging the authority of the Devas and establishing his dominance over Lanka.
Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu takes birth as Rama (Ranbir Kapoor) in Ayodhya. Loved by his family and the people of the kingdom, Rama grows into a skilled warrior under the guidance of his gurus. His life takes a beautiful turn when he meets Sita (Sai Pallavi), the princess of Mithila. Their marriage marks the beginning of a new chapter. However, just when everything seems to be falling into place, circumstances change.
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A promise made by King Dasharatha (Arun Govil) to Queen Kaikeyi (Lara Dutta) forces Rama to give up his claim to the throne and leave Ayodhya for 14 years. Sita and Lakshmana (Ravie Dubey) accompany him into exile. Their peaceful journey takes a dramatic turn when Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha (Rakul Preet Singh) encounters Rama. The chain of events that follows eventually leads to Ravana abducting Sita and taking her to Lanka. The film covers these important chapters of the epic, setting the stage for the much bigger confrontation between Rama and Ravana in the next installment.
Ramayana Part 1 Review
Let’s get one thing straight. Ramayana Part 1 is unlike anything Indian cinema has attempted on this scale. Nitesh Tiwari deserves appreciation for his ambition and the effort that has gone into creating this world. From the opening war between the Devas and Asuras to the grand kingdoms of Ayodhya and Lanka, the film constantly reminds you of the enormous canvas on which this story has been mounted.
The opening portions make an immediate impression. The Airavat sequence is spectacular, while Ravana’s battles against Kubera and Indra bring some of the film’s biggest visual moments. Rama’s introduction is equally impressive. The Swayamvar sequence is beautifully mounted, and the encounter between Rama and Parashurama is another memorable moment. The conversations involving Rama, Dasharatha and Kaikeyi bring a different kind of intensity to the narrative.
What works particularly well is the way the film balances Rama’s journey with Ravana’s rise. Rather than presenting the antagonist as a straightforward villain from the beginning, the narrative gives us a glimpse into his ambition, power and transformation. Yash’s character gets considerable attention, and his portions add another dimension to the story.
The writing by Shridhar Raghavan and Nitesh Tiwari stays largely faithful to the important events of the epic. The dialogues carry the essence of dharma, duty, sacrifice and righteousness. The conversations between Rama and Lakshmana also bring some lighter moments to an otherwise serious narrative. The brotherly bond is one of the film’s enjoyable aspects.
However, the film isn’t without its shortcomings. At 3 hours and 15 minutes, the runtime is noticeable, particularly when the narrative slows down between major sequences. Some dramatic portions could have been tighter. The film has several breathtaking moments, but the emotional impact isn’t always as strong as the visual presentation. This is where it misses the devotional warmth and emotional connect that Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan continues to enjoy even today.
The film also leans heavily towards Ravana in several portions. That approach works in establishing the character, but audiences expecting a more extensive exploration of Rama’s journey might find the balance slightly different from what they anticipated. A few monster designs and VFX shots could have been better executed as well.
And then comes the end-credit surprise featuring Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. It is a moment that will undoubtedly generate excitement and leaves the audience eager for what comes next.
Music And Technical Aspects
Technically, Ramayana Part 1 is a massive achievement. Cinematographers Pankaj Kumar and Mahesh Limaye deserve special appreciation for creating a visually rich world. The detailing across the palaces, kingdoms and landscapes gives the film a sense of scale. Ayodhya and Lanka look grand, and the production design adds to the overall experience.
However, the costume design is one aspect that is likely to spark considerable discussion. While the makers have clearly invested heavily in creating the visual world of the epic, some costume choices may not find universal acceptance. Given the cultural and devotional significance of Ramayana, audiences will naturally have strong expectations about how these iconic characters should look. This is one department where the film is likely to invite questions and mixed reactions.
DNEG’s visual effects are among the biggest strengths. Several sequences are breathtaking and deserve to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. The action choreography also complements the film’s ambitious scale. However, not every VFX shot reaches the same standard. A few oversized creatures and certain digital elements look unfinished, which is disappointing in an otherwise visually impressive film.
The background score adds considerable weight to the narrative. It elevates the action sequences and lends emotional intensity to several important moments. The songs, however, are not particularly memorable. They look good on screen, but lack the soul and emotional connect needed to stay with you after the film ends. The editing could also have been sharper in some portions to maintain the momentum.
Ramayana Part 1 Performances
Ranbir Kapoor has one of the most challenging roles of his career, and he delivers a graceful performance as Lord Rama. He captures the character’s calmness, dignity and compassion with sincerity. His screen presence is particularly effective in the quieter moments, where restraint matters more than dramatic expressions.
Yash is a major driving force of the film. As Ravana, he commands attention with his powerful screen presence and intensity. His portrayal gives the character an imposing personality, and he makes the most of the substantial screen time.
Sai Pallavi looks graceful as Mata Sita, but her portrayal could have been better. While she brings sincerity to the character, there are moments when her performance lacks the emotional depth and conviction expected from such an iconic role. Given the significance of Mata Sita in the epic, audiences will naturally have enormous expectations from her.
Ravie Dubey is a pleasant surprise as Lakshmana. He brings energy, devotion and anger to the character while also adding some enjoyable comic moments. His chemistry with Ranbir works well, and he makes a strong impression throughout the film. In some scenes in even outshines Ranbir Kapoor.
Rakul Preet Singh looks gorgeous as Shurpanakha and makes an impact despite limited screen time. Arun Govil brings warmth and dignity to King Dasharatha.
Lara Dutta looks beautiful as Queen Kaikeyi and delivers a convincing performance. She skillfully captures the different emotions of her character, from her affection for Rama to her determination to fulfil her promise and secure the throne for Bharat. Lara brings the required authority, emotional intensity and conviction to the scene when she asks Rama to leave Ayodhya for 14 years.
Vivek Oberoi makes his presence felt in his limited role. Anupam Kher’s voice as Jatayu adds emotional weight, particularly towards the end. Saurabh Sachdeva is impressive as Maarich, while Kajal Aggarwal brings grace to Mandodari.
Adinath Kothare, Kunal Kapoor, Indira Krishnan, Sheeba Chaddha, Ajinkya Deo, Shobana and the rest of the supporting cast contribute well to the film. Sunny Deol’s appearance as Lord Hanuman in the end-credit sequence is brief but exciting.
Final Verdict
Ramayana Part 1 is a cinematic spectacle that deserves to be experienced on the big screen. Nitesh Tiwari has taken on an enormous challenge and delivers a film that impresses with its scale, production design, action and visual effects. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash lead the film with strong performances, while Ravie Dubey emerges as a pleasant surprise.
Yes, the film could have been tighter, and it doesn’t always deliver the emotional depth expected from an epic of this stature. It also lacks some of the devotional warmth associated with Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television adaptation. But judging it as a big-screen cinematic experience, there is plenty to appreciate.
The makers have laid a strong foundation for the next chapter, where the much-awaited clash between Rama and Ravana will take centre stage. With its grand visuals and enormous scale, Ramayana Part 1 is a theatrical experience worth watching. A visual spectacle that brings India’s greatest epic to life on an unprecedented scale.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
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