Ramayana movie review: Big visuals, impressive performances and an epic saga

When we first heard that a movie was being made on one of ancient India's major Sanskrit epics (Itihasas), authored by the sage Valmiki, we wondered what Nitesh Tiwari's directorial venture would do differently. After all, there have already been so many adaptations of the same story. The storyline is something we know by heart, but the makers' commitment to bringing the epic to the big screen with Hollywood-grade VFX was certainly there in India’s most expensive film ever.

Ramayana movie review: Plot

Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Ravie Dubey in lead roles, the first part of the epic saga revolves around the early years of Lord Ram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He grows up as a prince alongside his brothers Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna in Ayodhya.

The story follows his battles against powerful demons and his eventual marriage to Sita. It then moves to his years of exile, when he leaves Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshmana. The narrative builds towards one of the epic's most important events: Ravana's abduction of Sita. The movie also shows how Ravana takes over Lanka.

Ramayana movie review: Performances

The movie features an ensemble cast, and everyone in this epic film puts their best foot forward.

Ranbir Kapoor brings a certain charm to his role as Lord Ram, keeping his performance largely restrained and disciplined. His yodha (warrior) side comes alive in some of the action sequences, where he looks convincing. However, there are a few rough edges in his dialogue delivery, and not every scene lands as strongly as it should.

Sai Pallavi as Sita brings an effortless sense of grace and beauty to the character. But what makes her portrayal stand out is that she is not just presented as someone waiting to be rescued. This version of Sita has a fierce side to her. She is respectful but not shy, loyal but not afraid.

While Valmiki's Ramayana largely describes Sita's strength through her mental resilience, spiritual dignity and faith, the film gives her a more active warrior side. She is shown as a courageous princess who is trained in combat and can fight demons alongside Ram during their exile. Sai Pallavi handles both sides of the character beautifully.

Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana brings a refreshing energy to the film. His humour grabs your attention, although some of the dialogues could have been tighter. But there is more to his performance than just the funny bits. The devotion, loyalty and deep love he shows towards his brother Ram come through beautifully.

Arun Govil, who famously played Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's 1987 television series, steps into the role of King Dasharath and delivers a good performance. Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, Shobana as Kaikesi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Indira Krishnan as Kausalya also leave an impression with their performances.

But the performance that steals the show is Yash as Ravana. In the second half of the film, there is a scene where the actor uses 10 different voices and personalities for Ravana's 10 heads, showcasing his versatility. The film also explores Ravana's extraordinary intelligence, sharp mind and ability to stay focused. His introduction as a young boy playing the veena is an apt way to establish his character.

Ramayana movie review: Direction and VFX

One of the biggest surprises of Ramayana is its visual effects. When the trailer was released, many viewers had doubts about how the VFX would look on the big screen. However, the film does a good job of answering those questions.

The visuals are grand, and the world created by the makers looks impressive. DNEG, the studio known for its work on films such as Interstellar and Dune, has handled the visual effects. There are a few moments where the VFX could have been better, but they do not take away much from the overall experience. Whether the reported budget justifies the final product is a different question, but the film's visual presentation is certainly worth watching.

Coming to the direction, Nitesh Tiwari deserves credit for handling a story of this scale. Bringing such a massive epic to the screen across multiple parts is no easy task. The film has grand action sequences, elaborate settings and a large cast, but the director keeps the focus on the story and its characters. More importantly, the visual effects and action do not completely take over the narrative. There is a lot happening on screen, but the direction manages to hold it all together.

Ramayana movie review: Final verdict

Ramayana is a film that works best when it lets its visuals do the talking. The background score feels international in several portions, although it does not always manage to lift the scenes the way it should.

The writing and pacing could have been tighter. As Nitesh Tiwari recently revealed in an interview, the Ravana-Jatayu battle sequence took nearly six and a half years to complete. Naturally, expectations were high, and the wait was worth it. The Jatayu sequence is hands down the film's biggest highlight. It is spectacular, beautifully executed and, honestly, paisa vasool on its own.

There is a lot packed into this epic, and at times, the film seems more interested in creating a grand visual experience than exploring its characters in greater depth. Fitting such a vast story into a three-hour cinematic journey is no easy task, and that challenge is visible in the writing and pacing. Still, Ramayana has enough moments to keep you invested. It may not get everything right, but there are a few big-screen visual moments worth watching.