Vivek Oberoi calls Ramayana a ‘Mahayagya for Bhartiya culture’, praises Ranbir Kapoor, Yash

Somewhere between admiring the sheer ambition of Ramayana and wondering when it would finally get to the point, the reviewer experienced two strong reactions: being utterly impressed and feeling the film needed a tighter edit. Nitesh Tiwari's epic gives the story a cinematic treatment, with impressive world-building, spectacular cinematography, and breathtaking scale. However, it also takes its time getting anywhere, with the opening half feeling bloated and dragging.

Yash shines as Ravana, bringing formidable presence to the demon king and his Asura army. Vivek Oberoi also stands out, providing star power whenever he appears. Ranbir Kapoor's Ram is a challenge to play, given his righteous, restrained, and pious nature. The actor struggles initially but finds his footing in anger-filled moments, bringing a force to his performance.

Lakshman, played by Ravie Dubey, brings a spark of life to the solemnity. However, the romance between Kapoor's Ram and Sai Pallavi's Sita feels lacking in chemistry.

Sita herself comes across as underwhelming. Rakul Preet's Shurpanakha injects glamour and wicked energy, while Lara Dutta is effective as Kaikeyi, adding genuine power to scenes of family disaster and upheaval. The rousing background score and Jatayu's passages uplift the spectacle, reminding viewers of cherished childhood memories reimagined on a grand scale.

Overall, the film is beautifully mounted, imaginative, and convincing, making its familiar world worth revisiting. Yash's contribution and the visuals' grandeur are noteworthy. However, the reviewer wishes for greater trust in the audience's ability to recognize moments' importance without excessive pacing. They would recommend taking children to see it and watching it on a big screen.