Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 12 mins ago
Ramayana: Part 1 brings Rama and Ravana’s story to cinemas
Ramayana: Part 1 opened in cinemas on November 5, 2026, as the first half of a two-part adaptation directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
The film retells the Indian epic through the parallel stories of Prince Rama of Ayodhya and Ravana, the ruler of Lanka.
It follows Rama’s exile with Sita and his brother Lakshmana, while Ravana’s rise and devotion to Shiva help explain his power and character.
The story’s first part ends after Ravana takes Sita to Lanka and Rama vows to rescue her and defeat Ravana.
Reviews praised the film’s visual scale and action, and singled out Yash’s intense performance as Ravana.
Some reviewers also said Rama’s story and key moments feel rushed, and that the film’s pacing is uneven.
The battle between Rama and Ravana is set to continue in Part 2, scheduled for release in 2028.
Ramayana: Part 1 opened in cinemas on November 5, 2026, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film follows the parallel journeys of Prince Rama and Ravana.
The story includes Rama’s exile for fourteen years and Ravana’s abduction of Sita.
Both reviews praise Yash’s commanding performance as Ravana and the film’s visual scale.
The Hindu says Ravana dominates the film, while Pinkvilla highlights the performances and spectacle but notes pacing problems.
- Who
- The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi.
- What
- Ramayana: Part 1, an adaptation of the Indian epic, opened in cinemas.
- When
- November 5, 2026.
- Where
- Cinemas; the sources do not name a specific location.
- Why
- Not stated
The Hindu reviewer
Pinkvilla reviewer
Ravana’s role
The Hindu reviewer
The film gives Ravana such prominence that he outshines Rama, and Rama’s defining moments feel hurried.
Pinkvilla reviewer
Yash’s Ravana is a major highlight, while Ranbir Kapoor brings dignity and grace to Rama.
Film’s presentation
The Hindu reviewer
The digital scale reverses the epic’s values of spiritual subtraction, and the divine gets diluted.
Pinkvilla reviewer
The film’s visual grandeur and effects make its mythical world immersive and spectacular.
Rama grows into a warrior, defeats Tataka and wins Sita’s hand by lifting Shiva’s bow.
Queen Kaikeyi demands Rama’s fourteen-year exile and the coronation of her son Bharata.
Ravana takes Sita to Lanka after luring Rama and Lakshmana away.
Ramayana: Part 1 is released in cinemas.
- Director
- Nitesh Tiwari
- Lead cast
- Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi
- Release date
- November 5, 2026
- Runtime
- 195 minutes
- Ravana’s actor
- Yash
5 sources
‘Ramayana: Part 1’: Ranbir Kapoor’s earnest appeal gives new life to Rama
Ramayana X Review: “Generational Performance By Yash”, “Epic Jatayu Sequence” & “Spectacular Visuals”- Netizens Stunned by Namit Malhotra’s Epic!
Ramayana Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s battle of Good vs Evil is most visually stunning ventures in Indian cinema