Ramayana Part 1 Review: Is Nitesh Tiwari’s Epic Worth the Big Screen?

Few Indian films carried expectations like this one. Ramayana: Part 1 hit theatres on November 5, 2026, and the first major review has landed. Pinkvilla gives it 4 out of…

By Reetam Bodhak

November 5, 2026

3 min read

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Few Indian films carried expectations like this one. Ramayana: Part 1 hit theatres on November 5, 2026, and the first major review has landed. Pinkvilla gives it 4 out of 5, calling it one of the most visually stunning ventures in Indian cinema. Here’s the quick, balanced breakdown.

Ramayana Part 1 Review

Detail	Info
Director	Nitesh Tiwari
Writers	Nitesh Tiwari, Shridhar Raghavan
Main cast	Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey
Supporting cast	Lara Dutta, Sunny Deol, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor
Producers	Namit Malhotra and Yash (Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, Monster Mind Creations)
Pinkvilla rating	4/5
Verdict	Worth a theatrical watch

What the Story Covers?

Part One follows Rama’s rise and Ravana’s parallel climb to power. It moves from Rama’s early years and marriage to Sita through his exile and the abduction that sets the central conflict in motion. It ends with Rama vowing to rescue Sita, setting up a bigger sequel.

What Works?

The reviewer calls it one of the most ambitious adaptations of the epic, praising its grand world-building and action. The standout is Yash as Ravana, who is described as magnetic. The film gives the character a morally grey shade, showing his journey from devoted scholar to pride-consumed ruler, with the multiple personas and a Tandav sequence highlighted.

Ranbir Kapoor brings dignity and calm to Rama, while Sai Pallavi’s Sita is described as graceful and emotionally engaging. The AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer collaboration adds musical scale. The Ravana and Jatayu confrontation is singled out as a highlight, mixing spectacle with emotion. Ayodhya and Lanka also impress visually.

What Doesn’t?

The review points to uneven pacing. Early chapters, including Rama’s youth, the swayamvara and the road to exile, feel rushed and lack the emotional weight they deserve. Some dialogue misses the poetic grandeur associated with the story. The reviewer also notes a lack of chemistry between the leads and finds some AI-generated visuals amateurish in an otherwise CGI-heavy film.

Supporting Performances

Ravi Dubey is solid as Lakshmana, balancing loyalty and impulsiveness. Arun Govil adds emotional weight as Dasharatha, and Lara Dutta is praised as Kaikeyi, particularly in her scenes with Rama. Some viewers may find Ranbir’s restrained style too subdued, though the reviewer expects more from him in the sequel.

Should You Watch It?

If you love large-scale visual storytelling, the answer looks like yes, even with the flaws. Large-format screens will likely suit it best. Keep in mind this is one critic’s view, so your own taste may differ.