The first review of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana from India is out, and it couldn’t have been better. Leading film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh has given the film a full 5 out of 5 stars, calling it “SPECTACULAR”.
“You Haven’t Witnessed Anything as Magnificent”
Taran Adarsh didn’t hold back. “You haven’t witnessed anything as MAGNIFICENT on the Indian screen before… Scale. Visuals. Emotions. And SOUL – Ramayana has it all… A truly STUNNING cinematic experience,” he wrote.
On the big question every fan has been asking, whether the film does justice to the epic, his answer was clear: “The answer is a BIG YES.”
The Big Secret: Sunny Deol
One part of the film the critic chose to keep under wraps is Sunny Deol’s role. His presence in the first part has been one of the most talked-about topics around Ramayana, and fans have been waiting for any hint.
Taran Adarsh didn’t give one. “A lot has been said and written about Sunny Deol’s presence in the first part of Ramayana… I won’t reveal anything here – just watch the film!” he wrote.
Nitesh Tiwari Gets Full Marks
The critic praised director Nitesh Tiwari for delivering “a cinematic spectacle that celebrates the glory of Indian culture and the eternal triumph of good over evil.” He called the screenwriting “watertight” and said the narrative keeps you “hooked throughout”.
According to him, it’s not just the scale that makes the film work. “That emotional and spiritual connect is what sets Ramayana apart,” he wrote.
The Standout Moments
Without giving away spoilers, Taran Adarsh listed the sequences that impressed him the most:
- The opening sequence between Brahma and Ravana, followed by Ravana staking his claim on Lanka
- The forest fight between Lord Rama and the rakshasas
- The Sita Swayamvar
- The emotional pre-interval portion with King Dashrath, Kaikeyi and Lord Rama
- The action sequence between Ravana and Vidyutjeev
- The Shurpanakha episode
- The Ravana and Jatayu fight on the Pushpaka Vimana
Rahman, Zimmer and DNEG Shine
The technical side gets a big thumbs up. The critic said A.R. Rahman’s songs are “seamlessly woven into the narrative”, and called the background score by Hans Zimmer and Rahman “terrific”, saying it gives the film “a sweeping, larger-than-life quality”.
He saved special praise for Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG, saying they “raise the bar, delivering one of the most breathtaking visual experiences ever witnessed on the Indian screen.” The action and production design also earned strong marks, with a world that “stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of global cinema.”
Ranbir, Sai Pallavi and Yash Impress
Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama, gets high praise for portraying the character “with grace, dignity, and quiet strength”. The critic said his screen presence lends the role “an aura of divinity”.
Sai Pallavi as Sita brings “dignity and strength”, with a natural performance that adds warmth to the emotional scenes.
Yash as Ravana is “in superb form”. The critic said his intensity makes him “a formidable force” and gives the antagonist the larger-than-life stature the role needs.
The Supporting Cast
Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, is called “excellent”, while Rakul Preet Singh is “first-rate”. Arun Govil is “perfectly cast”, and the critic said it’s wonderful to see him back on the big screen.
Shobhana, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Sheeba Chadha and Ajinkya Deo also get positive mentions.
The Final Word
“Ramayana is not merely a film… IT’S AN EXPERIENCE, a film that makes India proud,” he concluded, urging audiences to watch it “on the largest screen possible”.
He also praised producer Namit Malhotra for backing a film that matches international standards in scale and technical quality.
Part 2 Arrives on Diwali 2028
The critic said he’s already looking forward to the second part of Ramayana, which is set to release on Diwali 2028.
With a perfect score in its first review from India, the buzz around Ramayana has just gone up another level.
