Ramayana Part 1 Review: Yash Steals the Spotlight in Nitesh Tiwari’s Visual Spectacle

A four stars rating for its scale, effects and Ravana, but flags a slow first half and a music disappointment.

Ramayana: Part 1 arrived in theatres on November 5, after a long build-up and a confirmed release date. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it casts Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Hindustan Times’ review, by Rishabh Suri, gives it four stars and finds that it mostly balances grand scale with the emotional core of the epic.

A slow start, a stronger second half

Based on Valmiki’s Ramayana, the film opens with Ravana’s backstory before it introduces Rama and sets up the central conflict. It takes its time with characters and motives, and the review says that costs pacing: the first half drags in places, while the second picks up with more action and visual spectacle.

The visual effects, by DNEG, are singled out as a high point. Together with production design and scale, they build an immersive world.

The performances

• Yash as Ravana: the review’s standout. His presence, physicality and confidence give the villain real weight, and the film’s take on Ravana’s ten faces adds to the character.
• Ranbir Kapoor as Rama: a more mixed assessment. He is convincing in action and brings composure, but may not carry the devotional feel of earlier portrayals.
• Sai Pallavi as Sita: graceful, with poise and dignity.
• Supporting cast: Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara add depth to key dramatic moments.

A standout sequence

One of the film’s high points, according to the review, is the sequence in which Jatayu tries to save Sita from Ravana. It mixes spectacle with emotional weight, and Anupam Kher’s voice for Jatayu adds gravitas. (Spoiler-light: the episode is a well-known part of the epic.) The review also notes that the film holds on to familiar episodes while giving them a contemporary look.

The music

The review calls the AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer collaboration, one of the most anticipated elements, a letdown. Parts of the score give scale to certain sequences, but the soundtrack does not consistently match expectations, some songs feel unnecessary, and the musical experience lands with less force than the visuals.

Verdict

Ramayana: Part 1 is an ambitious adaptation that leans on its visuals, supporting performances and faithful handling of a story millions know. Pacing and music leave room for improvement, but the review sees enough big-screen moments to justify watching in a theatre. The first part mainly sets up the world and characters, with the larger confrontation between Rama and Ravana still to come.