Ramayana: Part 1 was a much-awaited film this year. Several questions about the VFX, casting, and storytelling were raised since the film’s announcement. Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram and Sai Pallavi’s Sita finally made it to the big screen on November 5. This Nitesh Tiwari adaptation, backed by Namit Malhotra, is a visual spectacle that has an organic emotional investment, barring a few times. Read our review here.
An Indian epic that we know by heart, and have grown watching several versions of it, the excitement and anticipation around the film is natural. Ram (Ranbir Kapoor), Sita (Sai Pallavi), Laxman (Ravie Dubey), Raavan (Laxman), Surpnakha (Rakul Preet Singh), Keikeyi (Lara Dutta), and King Dashrath (Arun Govil) are the prime characters in the first part of Ramayana. The story begins with the fight between Dev and the Asuras, how Raavan takes over the city of Lanka, and ends with Sita’s abduction. There is a post-credit scene to introduce Sunny Deol’s Hanuman.
Performances
VFX is an important part, but some sincere performances in the film also stay with you. The first that comes to mind is Yash as Raavan. The actor captures the essence of the figure aptly and gives some goosebump-worthy scenes. From the moment he enters the frame, Yash is nothing less than brilliant. There wasn’t a better choice for Laxman than Ravie Dubey. The actor shares a comfortable bond with Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram, and it translates beautifully on screen. Sai Pallavi as Sita brings charm and innocence to the role. Arun Govil as Dashrath and Lara Dutta as Keikeyi also deliver the parts really well. But in all of the Ramayana adaptations that I have watched, I have never felt so emotionally disconnected with Ram, as much as I felt for Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram. While the actor has visibly put the most effort into getting this right, the dialogue delivery doesn’t work. The innate sense of composure needed for the role of Ram was missing here.
Sita’s Portrayal
It was refreshing to see Sita be an extension of herself and not just the men in her life. In Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, Sita’s definition doesn’t come from her grace or beauty; they are only a part of her vast personality as the Princess of Mithila. She gets to hold her own ground, speak her mind, and fiercely display the traits of a warrior. Nitesh Tiwari captures these traits powerfully in several scenes. The one that stands out is when Prince Ram stops to watch Sita with admiration and pride as she takes on the demons during a fight scene.
VFX
Ramayana will undoubtedly be remembered for its VFX (that was also the goal, I guess). The visuals are class-apart from the moment the film begins. Even if Ramayana was not shot in real locations, the setting doesn’t let you feel it even once. The Jatayu fight scene, the stunning wedding sequence, and every scene featuring Ravan- each of them has an immersive experience, and the world-building pulls you in instantly.
Storytelling
Written by Nitesh Tiwari and Shridhar Raghavan, Ramayana’s screenplay is free-flowing. The story we know, but the excitement to know more is what Ramayana: Part 1 delivers. The vision of this adaptation is also to suit the current times, which is evident in Sita’s portrayal by simultaneously weaving it with the morals of the Indian epic. The dialogue writing is also decent.
Also Read: Is Ramayana Part 2 Postponed To 2028? Here’s What Namit Malhotra Said
Music
The music of Ramayana is composed by the duo AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, but the film’s background score does not stand up to our expectations. That’s a bummer TBH, considering the two maestros were on it. However, the songs are really soul-soothing!
Also Read: The Remarried Empress: From Storyline To Cast, Here’s Everything You Need To Know!
Verdict
Ramayana: Part 1 is a good watch. I would highly recommend it to everyone, preferably in IMAX.