Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, Nitesh Tiwari’s first instalment of a two part retelling arrives with staggering ambition, and much of it is visible on screen. Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama as a prince bound by sacrifice, while Sai Pallavi’s Sita works to humanise a mythic figure. Yash, in his Hindi film debut, makes Ravana, an immortal king driven by vengeance, a magnetic presence, yet it is Ravi Dubey who quietly impresses most, bringing brilliant conviction and warmth to Lakshman.
The action, choreographed by Hollywood stunt veterans Terry Notary and Guy Norris, has genuine muscle, and some VFX scenes are very well done. Too often, though, the animation is jerky, with much of the first half looking flimsy and digital backdrops that never feel tangible. Consistently believable effects would have made a huge difference. Equally, a more memorable score from Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman would have lifted the film. Both flaws stick out like a sore thumb in an otherwise decent effort.
The editing is fast paced and hops from one episode to the next. That was perhaps unavoidable, since the Ramayana is a long tale full of twists and turns, but it still feels as if the film rushes to show everything, moving on before scenes can breathe. Kapoor carries Rama’s burden with dignity and restraint, and the ending lands with feeling, though it largely exists to set up the sequel due at Diwali 2027.
What works is impressive and often moving. What does not suggests a film still searching for its heart, leaving ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’ as a respectful but uneven start to a monumental saga.
