Ramayana review: Can this $500m film saga live up to expensive expectations?

Ramayana: Part 1, a cinematic adaptation of the ancient Sanskrit epic, boasts a staggering $500 million budget and features notable actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. Spanning 195 minutes, the film traces the contrasting paths of Rama and Ravana, portraying their stories with a scale rarely seen on Indian screens. While the project encounters some visual and dialogue hiccups, the overall experience is a remarkable spectacle.

With a star-studded ensemble cast, including Yash as Ravana, the film delivers impressive visual effects and action choreography, thanks to the expertise of Prime Focus Studios and Oscar-winning DNEG. Despite occasional clashes between digital crowds and environments, the film remains largely convincing. The emotional performances of Kapoor and Pallavi, along with the supporting cast, make the viewer invested in their journey.

The film's narrative delves into political and familial dynamics, offering a rich exploration of the characters' struggles. Director Nitesh Tiwari, along with co-writer Shridhar Raghavan, successfully captures the essence of the source material without relying on religious reverence. The film's stunning cinematography and haunting score by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman add to its grandeur, making Ramayana: Part 1 a noteworthy cinematic experience that deserves to be seen in its immersive 3D and IMAX formats.