Ramayana Part One Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash Shine

Ramayana: Part One oficially released in theaters worldwide today, November 5, 2026 - bringing together Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi in a large-scale cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. The film combines elaborate visual effects, action, mythology and emotional storytelling, with a musical score composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. In her review, film critic Shubhra Gupta gives the movie 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as an ambitious retelling that gradually finds its rhythm.

The film takes time to establish its characters and narrative, but the review notes that the story becomes more engaging as it progresses. Its grand production design, mythological elements and action sequences create a theatrical experience, although some portions feel visually excessive and uneven.

Ramayana Part One Review: A Grand Retelling of the Indian Epic

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part One aims to present the epic on a scale larger than previous cinematic adaptations. The film draws from different cultural and visual influences while retaining familiar elements associated with traditional versions of the Ramayana.

The review observes that the movie blends the visual styles of international fantasy franchises with references to Indian storytelling traditions, including Ramanand Sagar's television series, Amar Chitra Katha and the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.

The film's elaborate palaces, chariots, costumes and jewellery underline its emphasis on scale and spectacle. However, the extensive visual treatment and multiple stylistic influences make the opening portions feel somewhat crowded. The narrative gradually settles as the central characters move into the forest.

Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Yash as Ravana

Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, while Yash portrays Ravana. According to Gupta's review, Kapoor initially appears restrained in the role but becomes more convincing as the story progresses.

One of the film's notable sequences features Rama fighting demons in the forest, using agile movements and archery. The review identifies this action sequence as a standout moment, showcasing the film's visual ambition.

Yash's portrayal of Ravana also receives attention. His character is presented through contrasting qualities, including scholarship, warriorhood and darker traits. The sequence introducing Ravana's ten heads is among the moments highlighted in the review.

Sai Pallavi plays Sita, while Ravi Dubey appears as Lakshman. Gupta notes that Pallavi gradually settles into her character, particularly in her scenes opposite Yash's Ravana. Dubey's performance is also described as a good fit for the film's contemporary presentation of the traditional story.

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Ramayana Part One Supporting Cast and Performances

The film features a large supporting cast, including Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan, Saurabh Sachdeva and Lara Dutta.

Sheeba Chaddha plays Manthara, while Vivek Oberoi appears as Ravana's brother-in-law. Arun Govil, who previously portrayed Rama in Ramanand Sagar's television adaptation, plays King Dasharatha.

Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu. The review highlights the emotional impact of the Jatayu sequence, particularly its depiction of the character's final moments.

A brief appearance by Hanuman towards the film's conclusion also sets up anticipation for the next instalment.

Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman Music Add to the Film's Scale

The background score by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman is an important part of the film's cinematic presentation. The music supports its large-scale action, fantasy elements and emotional sequences.

The film combines elaborate computer-generated imagery, dramatic set pieces and mythological storytelling to create a spectacle aimed at a broad audience. However, the review points out that the emphasis on visual grandeur occasionally affects the film's pacing.

Despite these uneven moments, the narrative finds emotional depth in familiar characters and episodes from the epic.

Ramayana: Part One is the first instalment of the planned two-part cinematic adaptation, with the second part scheduled for release around the following Diwali. The first film combines mythology, action and large-scale visual storytelling while drawing on familiar interpretations of the epic.