User Rating: 3.44/5
Average Rating: 3.44/5
Positive Score: 87%
Total Reviews Counted: 9
Positive Reviews: 7
Neutral Reviews: 2
Negative Reviews: 1
Ramayana Part 1 has generated considerable discussion among film critics, with its grand visuals, impressive VFX and ambitious storytelling becoming major talking points. While several reviewers have praised its cinematic scale and emotional moments, others feel that the film’s storytelling and character development do not always match its technical brilliance.
Featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, the film brings one of India’s most celebrated epics to the big screen with an ambitious visual approach. Here is what critics are saying about Ramayana Part 1.
Ramayana Part 1 Critics’ Reviews and Ratings
1. Taran Adarsh – 5/5
Publication: Threads
Taran Adarsh has given the film an outstanding 5-star rating, describing it as a cinematic experience unlike anything previously seen in Indian cinema. He particularly highlights its magnificent scale, breathtaking visuals, emotional depth and connection with Indian culture.
According to him, Ramayana goes beyond conventional filmmaking and delivers an experience that audiences should enjoy on the biggest possible screen. He also believes the film represents a remarkable achievement for Indian cinema with the potential to attract viewers worldwide.
Read the full review on: Taran Adarsh’s Threads
2. Komal Nahta – Rating Not Available
Publication: Film Information
Komal Nahta appreciates the film’s enormous scale and extraordinary computer-generated visuals, calling the VFX a significant achievement for Hindi cinema. He believes the religious and cultural importance of the Ramayana will encourage audiences across different age groups to watch the film in theatres.
He also points out that the movie has attracted considerable attention despite releasing during the traditionally slow pre-Diwali period. According to him, audience curiosity and the fear of missing out could encourage repeat theatrical viewings.
Read the full review on: Film Information
3. Saibal Chatterjee – 3/5
Publication: NDTV
Saibal Chatterjee acknowledges that the film’s massive production scale immediately captures attention. Its visuals are undoubtedly among its strongest elements, with individual frames creating an immersive experience on screen.
However, he feels the visual spectacle does not always translate into equally engaging storytelling. While the film looks impressive, several familiar mythological characters lack the emotional depth and energy needed to make them truly memorable.
Read the full review on: NDTV
4. Sukanya Verma – 2.5/5
Publication: Rediff
Sukanya Verma offers a more critical assessment of the film, particularly questioning Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram. Although his appearance benefits from sophisticated digital technology, she feels the performance lacks the natural warmth and emotional connection expected from such an important character.
She also observes that his restrained portrayal sometimes comes across as mechanical rather than genuinely expressive. In her view, the film prioritises visual grandeur over emotional substance, leaving its central character less engaging than expected.
Read the full review on: Rediff
5. Zinia Bandyopadhyay – 3/5
Publication: Firstpost
Zinia Bandyopadhyay considers Ramayana Part 1 a reasonably engaging film that successfully builds curiosity about the next instalment. However, she believes the final result could have been more impressive, especially considering the project’s enormous budget, talented cast and expectations surrounding the epic.
While the film offers enough to keep audiences interested in what comes next, it does not completely deliver on the promise of its ambitious production.
Read the full review on: Firstpost
6. Chirag – 3/5
Publication: News18
News18 describes the film as a mixed experience, praising its impressive production scale, visual effects and performances. Yash and Ravi Dubey are highlighted as two of the film’s strongest performers.
However, the review also points out several shortcomings, including a lengthy first half, underdeveloped character portrayals and the hurried treatment of certain important mythological moments.
Although the film succeeds in creating a visually impressive world, these storytelling issues prevent it from reaching its full cinematic potential.
Read the full review on: News18
7. Shubhra Gupta – 3/5
Publication: The Indian Express
Shubhra Gupta appreciates the film’s relatively gentle approach to presenting the Ramayana, particularly its emphasis on the softer and more devotional expression of the story.
She welcomes the decision to focus on the emotional and spiritual elements rather than making the narrative unnecessarily aggressive. Although she remains curious about how the story will develop in the second instalment, she is satisfied with the creative direction chosen by the filmmakers for Part 1.
Read the full review on: The Indian Express
8. Rishabh Suri – 4/5
Publication: Hindustan Times
Rishabh Suri gives the film a positive review, acknowledging the enormous expectations attached to retelling an epic that holds such an important place in Indian culture.
He believes Part 1 successfully balances visual spectacle with the emotional foundation of the original story. The film manages to present familiar events through an impressive cinematic experience while retaining the essence of the epic.
The review also builds anticipation for the sequel, particularly with Sunny Deol’s appearance as Hanuman, the upcoming Sanjeevani episode and the much-awaited battle. According to him, the filmmakers have laid a promising foundation for what comes next.
Read the full review on: Hindustan Times
9. Jaya – 4/5
Publication: India TV
Jaya praises the film’s expansive storytelling, impressive music, performances and emotionally engaging sequences. Although she acknowledges that certain portions move slowly and some visual effects could have been refined further, she feels these issues do not overshadow the overall experience.
One of the film’s appealing aspects is its ability to revisit familiar episodes from the Ramayana through a fresh cinematic perspective. For viewers who have grown up listening to the epic, the movie offers an opportunity to experience those stories on a much larger screen.
She recommends watching the film in theatres, particularly in IMAX or 3D, where its visual scale can be experienced more fully.
Read the full review on: India TV
Ramayana Part 1: Overall Critical Reception
Looking at the reviews, one thing becomes clear: the film’s biggest strength is its extraordinary visual presentation. Several critics have appreciated the production design, large-scale sequences, VFX and the effort involved in bringing the Ramayana to life on such an ambitious scale.
Performances have received a more varied response. Yash has earned particular appreciation, while opinions about Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram differ among reviewers. Some have praised the film’s emotional and devotional approach, whereas others believe its characters needed more depth and stronger development.
The pacing and storytelling are also recurring points of criticism. A few reviewers feel that certain portions could have been tighter and that some important moments deserved more attention.
Final Verdict: Is Ramayana Part 1 Worth Watching?
Ramayana Part 1 is an ambitious cinematic adaptation of one of India’s most cherished epics. Its impressive visuals, grand production design, music and large-scale presentation make it an interesting theatrical experience.
However, the film is not without shortcomings. Its storytelling, pacing and character development have received mixed reactions from critics. While some consider it a remarkable achievement for Indian cinema, others believe the emotional depth could have matched its visual ambition more closely.
With the next chapter expected to explore Hanuman’s arrival and the larger conflict between Ram and Raavan, the sequel has plenty of opportunities to build on the foundation established in Part 1.
Overall, Ramayana Part 1 has received a largely positive response from critics, particularly for its visual ambition and cinematic scale, although opinions remain divided on its storytelling and performances.
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