Ramayana Part 1: A Modern Epic's Visual Spectacle Reviewed

The Cliff News | 5 November 2026

The highly anticipated Ramayana: Part 1 has hit screens, presenting a modern interpretation of the ancient epic. Director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra have crafted a visually stunning narrative, drawing significant inspiration from contemporary blockbuster cinema and even video game mechanics.

The film's storytelling approach has been likened to a strategic video game, featuring elements like character role-play, level progression, earning experience points through defeating adversaries, acquiring new weaponry, and securing divine boons. This contemporary framing aims to engage a new generation with the timeless tale.

A Blend of Ancient Lore and Modern Aesthetics

While the film strives for a grand scale, its musical score, featuring contributions from Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman, has been described as middling and derivative. Rahman's melodies, in particular, are noted for feeling like rehashed versions of his previous works. Despite these criticisms, Ramayana: Part 1 endeavours to cover significant chapters of Lord Rama's life, effectively setting the stage for subsequent installments.

The celestial sequences within the film are lauded as truly sublime, offering breathtaking visuals. However, the overall scenery and the sentiment conveyed by Director Nitesh Tiwari and Producer Namit Malhotra's vision are characterized as strictly synthetic, suggesting a surface-level engagement with the epic's core themes.

Recalling Past Adaptations and Their Impact

For a considerable segment of the population, the iconic clashes between Rama, Ravana, and their respective armies in Ramanand Sagar's television series Ramayan represented a cultural touchstone. The dramatic depictions of arrow battles had a tangible impact, fueling a surge in the sales of toy bow and arrow sets across shops and streets.

However, the review suggests that the original Hindu mythology offers a profound complexity that transcends mere thrills. The moral fiber and human resolve, emphasizing the victory of good over evil, have inspired generations of thinkers and artists. Figures like poet Rabindranath Tagore and painter Raja Ravi Varma have drawn deeply from its narrative, prompting significant evaluations and expressions of idealism. The interpretation of the Ramayana's idealism is seen as a reflection of one's worldview, particularly in an era when 'dharma' denoted duty rather than solely religion.

Divergent Interpretations of a Sacred Text

Earlier interpretations, such as the two episodes of Shyam Benegal's Bharat Ek Khoj based on playwright Bhasa's rendition, are credited with capturing the essence of the Ramayana's spiritual consciousness more effectively than more religiously focused adaptations. Over time, the emphasis has shifted towards the Ramayana's Hindu identity and its safeguarding, often overshadowing the deeper lessons embedded within its sacred texts.

This shift appears to influence the timing and narrative execution of Nitesh Tiwari's lavishly scaled drama. The abundant use of lotus motifs and imagery in the depiction of Ayodhya is perceived as playing into the optics favoured by a reigning political regime, aligning with a political formula if not a fetish.

A Hollywood Blockbuster's Vision of an Indian Epic

Ramayana: Part 1 does not present a novel take on its widely known narrative, with its primary advances lying in visual technology. Described as a 'shuddh desi' epic told through the lens of a Hollywood blockbuster, the initial installment of Tiwari's nearly three-hour-long saga prioritizes action over emotional resonance.

While drawing inspiration from Sage Valmiki's epic poem, the film's cinematic influences are eclectic. It evokes comparisons to the adventures of Frodo and Samwise in The Lord of the Rings, the colossal creatures of Jack and the Giant Slayer, the watchful guidance of Rafiki and Zazu in The Lion King, the shape-shifting mutants of X-Men, the post-apocalyptic denizens of Mad Max: Fury Road, and the visually restorative forest scenes from Princess Mononoke, particularly as Rama, Sita, and Lakshman embark on their jungle exile.

Character Introductions and Foundational Conflicts

The narrative commences with a glimpse into the origins of Ravan, portrayed by Yash, set against a backdrop of warring gods and monsters. Following intense penance, he is granted a boon of immense power by Brahma and Shiva. His profound devotion to Shiva is vividly captured in an elaborate tandav sequence, which is highlighted as a riveting watch, showcasing Yash's ferocious zeal and unstoppable rhythm.

Ravan's ascent to power is amplified by his formidable mother, Kaikashi (played by Shobana), who acts as his vocal publicist. Meanwhile, Ravan himself confidently asserts his supremacy across the three worlds, orchestrates political marriages, and leverages his 'socialist energy' to empower 'Sone Ki Lanka' and inspire CGI-generated crowds to acclaim his name.

Once his power play is established, Ravan initiates his 'vaishnav ka vinaash' objectives. This aggression triggers panic within Indra's (played by Kunal Kapoor) realm and necessitates the emergence of the Vishnu incarnate, Rama. Born to King Dashrath (portrayed by a de-aged Arun Govil) of Ayodhya, Rama grows up under the tutelage of Guru Vishwamitra (Ajinkya Deo). Among his brothers, Lakshman (Ravie Dubey) stands out for his frankness, offering rare moments where these embodiments of nobility exhibit a touch of humanity.