Ramayana Part 1 Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor-Namit Malhotra conjure up the perfect epic for this Kalyuga
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Shubhra Gupta
Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana Part 1' has received positive reviews for its breathtaking VFX and strong performances, particularly from Yash as Ravana. Despite a slow first half, the film is being hailed as a landmark visual spectacle for Indian cinema.
A New Benchmark for Indian Mythological Cinema
The release of Ramayana Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, marks a significant moment in the evolution of Indian mythological storytelling on the silver screen. Featuring a stellar cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, the film aims to translate the ancient epic of Valmiki into a modern cinematic language. By opting to split the narrative into two parts, the filmmakers have allowed for a more deliberate, character-driven pace, though this structural choice has resulted in a first half that some critics describe as slow due to extensive character introductions.
The Visual Spectacle: A Technical Marvel
A central talking point of the production is its unprecedented investment in visual effects. With an alleged budget of ₹4000 crore, a significant portion—reportedly 70 percent—has been funneled into the technical aspects of the film. Managed by DNEG and overseen by Namit Malhotra, the VFX has drawn comparisons to high-end Hollywood productions, with audiences likening the scale and quality to the 'Avatar' and 'Lord of the Rings' franchises. These technical achievements provide a necessary gravity to the film's climactic sequences, which have been widely praised as "mind-blowing."
Narrative Depth and Character Portrayals
The screenplay, penned by Sridhar Raghavan and Nitesh Tiwari, makes the bold choice of opening with the backstory of Raavan. This creative decision establishes a distinct visual and narrative contrast when the protagonist, Ram, is eventually introduced. Yash’s portrayal of Raavan has emerged as a standout performance, effectively stealing the show and providing the film with a compelling antagonist who anchors the drama. This focus on character study, while contributing to the film's length, provides the emotional weight required to elevate the story beyond mere spectacle.
Overcoming the Shadow of Past Failures
The anticipation surrounding this project was underscored by a deep-seated public skepticism, largely fueled by the critical and commercial disappointment of previous mythological adaptations like Adipurush. The massive publicity campaign surrounding Ramayana Part 1 initially sparked fears of another high-profile failure. However, audience reception on platforms like X suggests that these fears were largely unfounded, as viewers have settled into the film's narrative rhythm by the midpoint, finding it to be a "must-watch" experience.
Global Ambitions and Future Implications
Namit Malhotra’s clear ambition for this project was to elevate Indian cinema to the global stage, bridging the gap between local cultural heritage and international production standards. The success of this film could serve as a blueprint for future big-budget Indian epics, proving that massive financial investment, when paired with high-quality visual effects and a strong screenplay, can satisfy both domestic and global audiences. As the first chapter of a larger saga, Ramayana Part 1 has successfully set a high bar for technical execution and storytelling, positioning itself as a potential milestone in the current "Kalyuga" of Indian filmmaking.
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