A prince, an immortal king and a prophecy that binds their destinies. Ramayana: The Rise of a Legend brings the ancient Indian epic that inspired Diwali to the big screen – the story of Prince Rama, heir to Ayodhya, his exile into the forest with Sita and Lakshmana, and the demon king Ravana whose ambition sets the world on a collision course.
There are some stories that remain part of your life whether you actively think about them or not. You hear them as a child, absorb the lessons without fully understanding them, and then move on with the business of growing up. Ramayana: Rise of a Legend feels like opening a door to one of those stories and stepping back inside years later. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, this first chapter of a planned two-part epic takes one of the most enduring tales ever told and presents it on a scale rarely attempted outside Hollywood.
What surprised me most wasn't the story itself. Most people walking into this film will already know the broad strokes. What struck me was how many details had quietly slipped away over the years. Moments, characters, motivations, and relationships that once seemed familiar suddenly felt new again. Watching them unfold on a giant cinema screen gave them a sense of immediacy that books, television adaptations and childhood retellings never quite captured. Rather than feeling like a history lesson, the film becomes a process of rediscovery.
One of the film's greatest strengths is its commitment to the source material. Modern adaptations often feel the need to reinvent, deconstruct or completely reshape beloved stories. Ramayana: Rise of a Legend takes a different approach. It trusts the original narrative and allows its timeless themes to carry the weight. That decision gives the film a confidence that is often missing from large-scale fantasy productions. It never feels embarrassed by its mythology or desperate to modernise it.
The result is an experience filled with genuine moments of awe. Divine weapons crackle with power, mythical creatures soar across the screen, and supernatural abilities are presented with the kind of scale that demands to be seen in a cinema. The film constantly reminds you that this is a world where gods, destiny and mortals exist within the same story. Some of the larger action sequences feel almost dreamlike in their ambition, creating the sensation of watching ancient artwork suddenly come to life.
Among the many standout moments, the visualisation of Ravana proved especially memorable. Rather than merely presenting him as a larger-than-life villain, the film finds creative ways to explore the complexity behind the legend. One sequence in particular transforms a familiar piece of mythology into something genuinely cinematic and inventive. It is the sort of scene that works because it embraces the mythology rather than trying to explain it away.
The action throughout is consistently entertaining. Every battle carries a sense of importance beyond the immediate conflict because the characters are often fighting for duty, honour, promises and principles rather than simple survival. The legendary weapons gifted through divine intervention add another layer of excitement. They aren't merely tools for combat. They become extensions of the mythology itself, with powers that make every confrontation feel larger than life.
Yet for all its visual spectacle, the film works best when it focuses on people. The relationship between Rama and Sita provides much of the emotional heart. Their connection feels sincere and grounded, giving the story warmth in between the grand displays of magic and warfare. Their scenes together remind the audience that beneath all the mythology lies a deeply human story built around love, sacrifice and devotion.
Equally compelling is the bond between Rama and Lakshman. Ravie Dubey brings a loyalty and sincerity to the role that makes their relationship one of the film's strongest elements. What resonates most is the idea that duty isn't always demanded. Sometimes it is chosen. Lakshman's dedication speaks volumes about brotherhood and selflessness, creating some of the film's most emotionally rewarding moments. The story repeatedly returns to the importance of family, not simply as a matter of blood, but as a matter of commitment.
That theme extends throughout the entire film. More than battles, kingdoms or destiny, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is deeply concerned with integrity. Again and again, characters are defined by whether they honour their promises. A person's word carries enormous weight in this world. Decisions are made, sacrifices are accepted, and lives are changed because commitments matter. In an era where convenience often overrides principle, there is something surprisingly powerful about a story that treats honour as non-negotiable.
The performances largely serve the material well. Ranbir Kapoor delivers a restrained portrayal of Rama, avoiding excessive theatrics in favour of quiet dignity. While some viewers may expect a more commanding presence from such a major star, the understated approach ultimately fits the character. Sai Pallavi brings grace and emotional authenticity to Sita, while Yash makes an immediate impression whenever he appears on screen. The casting is particularly interesting because it brings together performers from different corners of Indian cinema rather than relying purely on Bollywood star power. That variety helps the film feel broader in scope and ambition.
Visually, however, the film is not without its shortcomings. Ironically, for a production built around groundbreaking visual effects from DNEG, there are times when the sheer volume of CGI becomes distracting. Every frame seems determined to showcase another digital environment, another impossible creature or another elaborate effect. While undeniably impressive from a technical standpoint, the constant visual enhancement occasionally creates a sense of distance from the world itself. There were moments where I found myself appreciating the rare appearances of natural environments simply because they felt tangible.
That said, not all CGI is created equal, and some of the film's effects work is exceptional. The transformations between human and animal forms are remarkably smooth and convincing. These sequences demonstrate what the technology can achieve when used with restraint and purpose. They feel magical in the best possible way, seamlessly blending fantasy and realism.
Another noticeable stylistic choice is the affection for slow-motion character introductions. Many of the major figures are unveiled with dramatic pauses, lingering shots and larger-than-life presentations. Sometimes it works beautifully, adding mythic grandeur. At other times it feels excessive, almost like the film is repeatedly reminding the audience that important characters are important. It never derails the experience, but it does contribute to the sense that the film occasionally prioritises spectacle over momentum.
The running time is also something audiences should be prepared for. This is a long film, and it certainly feels long. The pacing remains engaging for much of the journey, but there are stretches where a little more restraint could have strengthened the experience. The absence of natural breathing spaces occasionally makes the film feel heavier than it needs to be.
Still, despite those criticisms, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend succeeds in what it sets out to do. It transforms an ancient story into a cinematic event while preserving the values and ideas that have allowed it to endure for generations. It offers breathtaking spectacle, strong emotional foundations and a sincere respect for its source material. Most importantly, it rekindles a sense of wonder. By the time the inevitable cliffhanger arrives, there is a genuine desire to see where the story goes next.
Whether you grew up hearing these stories or are encountering them on this scale for the first time, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is an ambitious and often captivating retelling that reminds us why these legends continue to resonate. Beneath the visual effects and epic scope lies something much more enduring: a story about love, loyalty, sacrifice and the responsibility that comes with the promises we make.
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is exclusively in cinemas, IMAX and Premium Large Formats worldwide on November 5. Find your nearest screening here.
Review written by Ash Singh
Edited by Alex Moulton
