Review contains some Spoilers.
Clocking in at a brisk three hours and 15 minutes (make sure to catch the Hindi audio version for the complete, uncut experience rather than the shorten English dub), Ramayana: Part 1 – The Rise of a Legend moves with a breakneck, engaging pace that easily justifies its runtime. While the film delivers on the bombastic scale expected of a modern cinematic spectacle—boasting impressive special effects, bonkers battle sequences, and extraordinary creature designs like the magnificent Birdman Jatayu—the true beating heart of the movie lies somewhere much more intimate.
The Core Contrast: Virtue Versus Vengeance
Towards the end of the second act, the film delivers a brilliant sequence of connected scenes examining the deep-seated dysfunctions of royal households. It lays bare how different characters confront envy, resentment, and family betrayal.
- Ram’s Path of Service: When faced with wrongful treatment and the heartbreak of a 14-year exile ordered by his family, Ram (with wonderful vulnerable confidence by Ranbir Kapoor,) chooses total surrender, duty, and service while steadfastly holding onto his virtues. Even true virtue, the film notes, doesn’t mean an easy path—it invites profound suffering.
- Ravena’s Path of Vengeance: On the flip side, King Ravana (played with terrifying intensity by Yash) deals with pressure and friction from family members by brutally crushing his opposition. The absolute opposite of surrender, Ravena’s approach is pure, unbridled vengeance.
Why It Works as the Ultimate Origin Story
This thematic contrast serves as the true narrative heart of Part One, functioning almost as the ultimate mythic origin story. Yes, you get the grand scale reminiscent of The Fellowship of the Ring in terms of world-building and establishing its vast universe, but what makes it uniquely special is how it roots its grand scale in deeply personal, messy family dynamics.
Adding to the narrative punch is a brilliant structural choice: Ram and Ravana never actually cross paths face-to-face in this first film, heightening the anticipation for their inevitable clash.
Final Verdict
Exquisitely executed, anchored by wonderful performances from its core cast (including lovely quiet character moments between Ram, Sita( Sai Pallavi,) and Lakshman
(Ravi Dubey,),and featuring a powerhouse villain in Yash’s Ravena, Ramayana: Part 1 easily stands out as one of the best and most unique epic event films of the year.
It sets a high bar for Indian cinema on a global scale—and left us completely ready for Part Two to drop yesterday!
The video below dives into the visual spectacle, the theater experiences, and a closer look at these powerful character dynamics.
RATING: 9/10.