GAWAH News Desk | November 6, 2026
This is a round-up of published critics’ reviews, not a first-hand GAWAH review.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, opened in cinemas worldwide on November 5. The first chapter of the two-part screen adaptation has drawn attention for its scale and visual effects, but critics have not been unanimous about how successfully the spectacle serves the story.
The early reviews point to a clear divide: some critics have been swept up by the film’s ambition and epic presentation, while others feel that its visual grandeur sometimes leaves the characters and emotional depth underdeveloped.
What are critics saying about Ramayana?
The Guardian: A large-scale, engaging epic
Peter Bradshaw’s review for The Guardian described the film as an engaging and spectacular Indian epic melodrama. The review praised its expansive visual canvas, landscapes and adventurous storytelling, while placing it in the tradition of large-scale fantasy cinema. It also noted that this is the first half of a longer story rather than a complete retelling in one film.
NDTV: Visual spectacle, but questions over character depth
NDTV critic Saibal Chatterjee awarded the film three stars. His review acknowledged the technical ambition, visual effects and scale, but argued that spectacle often overwhelms substance. He also questioned whether the familiar characters receive enough depth and development, even while recognising the effort in the central performances.
Hindustan Times: Strong performances, with a slower first half
Rishabh Suri’s review for Hindustan Times gave the film four stars. It praised the performances and the film’s memorable Jatayu sequence, while noting that the first half moves slowly and that the musical elements may not work equally well for every viewer.
Taken together, these reviews suggest that the film’s strongest common talking point is its scale and visual presentation. The more divided question is whether the storytelling gives the characters enough room to make that scale emotionally involving.
Who is in Ramayana: Part One?
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. Its principal cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Rama.
- Sai Pallavi as Sita.
- Yash as Ravana.
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana.
Prime Focus Studios says the film is produced in association with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations. The studio describes it as the beginning of a two-part cinematic journey and confirms its theatrical release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English.
Is Ramayana worth watching in theatres?
The answer depends on what a viewer expects. Those drawn to large-scale fantasy, elaborate visual effects and a familiar epic presented on a theatrical canvas may find the experience rewarding. Viewers who place greater weight on pacing, character development and musical integration may be more in line with the reservations raised by some critics.
Because reviews differ, it is worth reading more than one assessment rather than treating a celebrity endorsement or a single social-media reaction as a verdict on the film.
When will Ramayana come to streaming?
Prime Focus Studios has announced a partnership with JioHotstar for a pay-per-view digital release in India after the film’s exclusive theatrical window. The announcement does not specify a streaming date. Viewers should rely on a subsequent official announcement for the confirmed digital-release schedule.
Ramayana movie review: quick answers
When did Ramayana: Part One release?
Prime Focus Studios announced a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
Who plays Rama, Sita and Ravana?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, Sai Pallavi plays Sita and Yash plays Ravana.
Are critics unanimous in their response?
No. Reviews praise the film’s scale and visual presentation, but differ on its pacing, character depth and storytelling.
Is the film available on OTT?
It opened in cinemas first. A JioHotstar pay-per-view partnership has been announced for after the exclusive theatrical window, but no specific digital date has been confirmed in the studio announcement.
Sources
- Prime Focus Studios: Ramayana: Part One arrives worldwide
- The Guardian: Peter Bradshaw’s review
- NDTV: Saibal Chatterjee’s review
- Hindustan Times: Rishabh Suri’s review
- Prime Focus Studios: JioHotstar digital-release partnership
Image credit: Jake Hills / Unsplash. Representative cinema photograph; not a still or poster from Ramayana.