Some stories are so familiar that bringing them to the big screen is never easy. The audience already knows the characters, the important moments and how the story unfolds. The real challenge is making them experience the same emotions all over again.

That is exactly what director Nitesh Tiwari attempts with Ramayana: Part 1. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, the film brings one of India's most loved epics to life on a massive cinematic scale.

Released worldwide on November 5, 2026, the film has attracted attention for its grand visuals, impressive cast and ambitious storytelling. However, early reviews have been divided. While some critics have praised its scale and performances, others feel that the film sometimes focuses more on spectacle than emotion.

So, is it worth watching in theatres? 

Here are five things that make this Ramayana movie review an interesting one, and why the film deserves your attention.

1. A Grand Visual World That Demands the Big Screen

The first thing that catches your attention is the scale of the film. From the grandeur of Lanka to the beauty of Ayodhya, the makers have created a world that feels larger than life. The detailed sets, digitally created landscapes, battle sequences and visual effects give the story a cinematic treatment that is difficult to experience on a smaller screen.

The work of DNEG deserves a special mention. The film features several visually striking moments, especially the opening sequences and the confrontation between Ravana and Jatayu. These scenes bring together visual effects, action and music to create some of the film's most memorable moments.

The visual execution has also received appreciation from several critics. The Week described the film as a glorious reimagining, while Khaleej Times highlighted its visual ambition and cinematic scale.

If you are looking for an honest Ramayana movie review, of course, not every visual works perfectly. Some digitally created forests and creatures have been criticised for looking artificial. Still, the overall scale makes the film a strong theatrical experience.

2. Yash's Ravana Is One of the Biggest Highlights

If there is one performance that has become a major talking point, it is Yash as Ravana. Instead of presenting him only as a powerful antagonist, the film explores his background, ambition, devotion and rise to power.

Yash brings a commanding screen presence to the character. His introduction and the sequences showcasing Ravana's strength make a strong impression. The character has enough layers to keep the audience interested, even when the story moves away from Rama's journey.

Several reviews have also highlighted Yash's performance. Rediff, in its Ramayana: Part 1 review, noted that Ravana becomes one of the film's most engaging characters.

Ranbir Kapoor, on the other hand, takes a more restrained approach to Rama. His calm expressions and controlled performance suit the character's dignity, although some critics feel that the role could have used more emotional depth.

For viewers curiously looking at Ramayana movie reviews to know how Yash approaches a character as complex as Ravana, this performance is certainly a reason to watch the film.

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3. A Strong Supporting Cast Adds More to the Story

A film of this scale needs more than two leading performances, and Ramayana: Part 1 brings together a sizeable ensemble.

Sai Pallavi plays Sita with grace and composure. Her presence adds warmth to the story, while Ravie Dubey as Lakshman brings an important supporting performance. The film also features experienced actors such as Arun Govil, Shobana and Lara Dutta in significant roles.

The supporting characters help build the world around Rama, Sita and Ravana. Their relationships, responsibilities and decisions are an important part of the larger epic, even if some of these threads could have received more screen time.

The film's attempt to bring together familiar faces from Indian cinema also adds to its appeal. For audiences who have grown up listening to the Ramayana, seeing these characters portrayed by a new generation of actors can be an interesting experience.

4. Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman's Music Adds to the Grandeur

Music plays a major role in a story like the Ramayana. The emotions, devotion, conflict and scale of the narrative need a score that can support the visuals without taking away from the characters.

The film brings together Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman for its music. Their collaboration gives the background score an international cinematic feel while attempting to retain the cultural atmosphere of the story.

The score works particularly well in several large-scale sequences. It adds intensity to the battle scenes and gives important moments a sense of occasion. The musical treatment also helps establish the contrast between the different worlds shown in the film.

However, the music has received mixed reactions. Some critics have appreciated its grandeur, while others feel that it does not always create the emotional connection expected from a story this familiar.

Still, the combination of Zimmer and Rahman is one of the film's most interesting creative choices.

5. It Brings a Familiar Epic to a New Generation

The Ramayana has been retold through television, films, books, theatre and countless family stories. Every generation has its own memory of Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Ravana.

What makes this adaptation interesting is its attempt to present the epic through modern filmmaking technology. The film uses large-scale production, action sequences and visual effects to introduce the story to audiences who may not have experienced it in this format before.

It also gives viewers an opportunity to revisit familiar characters and see how the makers interpret their journeys. The film focuses on the events leading up to the larger conflict, setting the stage for the next chapter.

For younger audiences, this could be an accessible introduction to one of India's most important epics. For those already familiar with the story, the appeal lies in seeing how a known narrative has been recreated for the big screen.

That said, the storytelling has its limitations. Some emotional moments feel rushed, and critics have questioned whether the film gives enough space to the relationships and philosophical ideas that make the original epic so meaningful.

What Are Critics Saying About Ramayana: Part 1?

The early response to the film has been mixed, with critics agreeing more on its scale than on its storytelling.

India Today's review praised the film's emotional moments, performances and cinematic ambition, while also pointing out that some imagery feels artificial.

In Ramayana movie review by Indian Express the channel gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating its grand presentation, adventure and background score. 

On the other hand, Mint's review felt that the film relies heavily on visual spectacle and could have done more with its characters and storytelling.

The response makes one thing clear: the film has plenty to offer visually, but its emotional impact is open to debate.

Final Verdict: Is Ramayana Worth Watching in Theatres?

The Ramayana movie is an ambitious attempt to bring a familiar epic to a much larger cinematic canvas. Its visual scale, production design, Yash's portrayal of Ravana and the collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman give audiences several reasons to watch it.

However, the film is not without shortcomings. The pacing, character development and emotional depth may leave some viewers wanting more. If you expect every important relationship and philosophical idea from the epic to receive equal attention, you may find parts of the storytelling uneven.

But if you enjoy mythological dramas, grand visuals and larger-than-life performances, the film offers a lot to experience on the big screen.

The Ramayana film review ultimately comes down to what you expect from this adaptation. It may not be a perfect retelling, but it is certainly an ambitious cinematic experience. And with the next chapter still to come, the story has more room to unfold.