Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological magnum opus Ramayana: Part 1 has arrived on over 5,150 screens worldwide, with the early consensus confirming that the Ranbir Kapoor and Yash-led epic delivers a visually commanding spectacle anchored by high-calibre performances and cutting-edge visual effects.
In our comprehensive review of Ramayana: Part 1, we analyze Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama, Yash’s thunderous turn as Ravana, the visual architecture conceived by DNEG, and how the critical scores stack up across major trade aggregators. Track opening day box office numbers and pre-sales records in our live report on the Ramayana Box Office Collection Day 1.
01. Ramayana Part 1: Film Overview & Star Cast
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Ramayana: Part 1 |
| Director | Nitesh Tiwari |
| Producer | Namit Malhotra (Prime Focus / DNEG) |
| Star Cast | Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Rama), Yash (Ravana), Sai Pallavi (Sita), Ravie Dubey (Lakshmana), Arun Govil (Raja Dashrath), Lara Dutta (Kaikeyi), Sunny Deol (Lord Hanuman cameo) |
| Music & Original Score | Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman |
| Certification & Runtime | CBFC ‘U’ | 195 Minutes (3 Hours and 15 Minutes) |
| NewsY Review Rating | 3.5 / 5 Stars |
02. Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama: Poise, Vulnerability & Maryada Purushottam
Following his aggressive turn in Animal, Ranbir Kapoor pivots 180 degrees to inhabit the calm restraint, solemn poise, and empathy demanded of Lord Rama. Kapoor consciously refrains from theatrical posturing, leaning instead into emotional vulnerability during the exile decree and Dhanush-breaking sequences.
While some viewers who anticipate high-decibel mass heroism may initially find the first hour’s pacing deliberate, Kapoor’s gentle, composed presence reinforces the spiritual core of Maryada Purushottam. His transformation during the forest sequences and his confrontation with demon hordes in Dandakaranya provide the film’s strongest heroic moments.
03. Yash as Ravana: A Thunderous, Magnetic Showstopper
Kannada superstar Yash delivers what is universally regarded as the film’s most magnetic performance. Making his Hindi cinema debut, Yash plays Ravana not as a caricatured demon, but as an arrogant, deeply erudite, and multi-dimensional scholar-king.
- First 45 Minutes Domination: The movie dedicates an extensive opening arc to Ravana’s penance to Lord Shiva and the rise of Golden Lanka, giving Yash back-to-back high-octane set-pieces.
- Commanding Baritone & Screen Presence: Yash’s eyes and measured dialogue delivery exude sheer dread. The ten-headed manifestation is designed with organic, grounded visual depth.
- Jatayu vs Ravana Dogfight: The aerial combat sequence between Ravana’s golden flying chariot (Pushpaka Vimana) and Jatayu stands out as the single most breathtaking visual set-piece ever mounted in Indian cinema.
04. Critical Consensus & Trade Scorecard
| Publication / Critic | Rating | Verdict Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Bollywood Hungama | 5.0 / 5 | “A generational cinematic milestone that marries Indian mythology with Hollywood-grade visual wizardry.” |
| Times of India | 4.5 / 5 | “Visually dazzling and emotionally stirring. Yash and Ranbir create an unforgettable mythological dynamic.” |
| Hindustan Times / India Today | 4.0 / 5 | “Breathes grand life into an epic we know by heart. The Jatayu clash and Lanka visuals are world-class.” |
| The Indian Express | 3.0 / 5 | “Shubhra Gupta notes that despite pacing issues in the first half, it conjures up an impressive epic for Kalyuga.” |
05. Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey & Supporting Ensemble
Sai Pallavi brings grace, moral authority, and warmth to Sita, deliberately sidestepping the passive damsel trope by emphasizing Sita’s fierce intellect and resolve during the Golden Deer trap and her captivity in Ashoka Vatika.
Television star Ravie Dubey turns out to be one of the film’s biggest surprises, playing Lakshmana with fiery loyalty, martial agility, and emotional devotion to Rama. Meanwhile, veteran Arun Govil’s appearance as King Dashrath offers a touching passing of the torch that resonates deeply with multi-generational audiences.
06. Music & Technical Craft: Zimmer, Rahman & DNEG
The cross-cultural background score composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman infuses ancient Vedic chants, thunderous percussion, and grand European orchestral horns. While standalone musical tracks take a back seat to narrative momentum, the thematic background score elevates IMAX and Dolby Atmos screenings.
07. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ramayana Part 1 worth watching?
Yes. Ramayana: Part 1 is a must-watch theatrical spectacle on large screens (IMAX and 3D) for Yash’s commanding performance as Ravana, Ranbir Kapoor’s dignified portrayal of Rama, and DNEG’s world-class visual effects.
How long is Ramayana: Part 1?
The film has an official runtime of 195 minutes (3 hours and 15 minutes) and holds a ‘U’ certificate from the CBFC.
When will Ramayana: Part 2 release?
Producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari have scheduled Ramayana: Part 2, which depicts the grand war for Lanka, for release around Diwali 2027.
08. Related NewsY Coverage
Monitor live collection updates on the Ramayana Live Box Office Tracker, read sports analysis in our report on India’s 1st ODI Win Over New Zealand, and follow national transit updates in the Karnataka Bus Fare Hike Report.
09. Sources
- The Indian Express & Times of India: Ramayana: Part 1 Opening Day Movie Reviews & Critical Consensus, 5 November 2026.
- Bollywood Hungama & Sacnilk: Review of Reviews and Box Office Tracking Data, November 2026.
NewsY Entertainment & Film Review Desk: Critical ratings, performance breakdowns, and technical analyses represent verified theatrical screenings and trade aggregator reviews.
