Ramayana: Part One has generated buzz following its Los Angeles world premiere, with early reactions praising Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana and the film’s grand cinematic scale.
- Ramayana First Review: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash Impress in Ramayana First Reactions
- Ramayana Compared to The Lord of the Rings
- Grand Visuals and Action, but VFX and Music Receive Mixed Feedback
- Ramayana AI Dubbing Clarification at LA Premiere
- Ramayana Runtime, Cast and Release Date
- Final Verdict: An Ambitious Epic With Mixed Early Reactions
Ramayana first review and reactions praise Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, while some viewers raise concerns about the music, pacing and visual effects.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the mythological epic was screened at the David Geffen Theatre inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 27.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
Ramayana First Review: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash Impress in Ramayana First Reactions
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama has received praise from several early viewers.
#Ramayana Initial Impressions:
A hugely ambitious film mounted on a grand scale, and the effort behind it is clearly visible. The team largely stays true to the Ramayana, but the film leans more on spectacle and action than drama and emotion, leaving parts of the narration feeling flat and even serial like at times. The second half also drags in places because of where Part 1 chooses to end, with limited material stretched out through lengthy action blocks that don’t create much impact
Yash as Ravana is the biggest highlight and is superb, especially in his introduction portions. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi are solid as Ram and Sita, though the divine aura and emotional weight don’t always fully translate on screen.
The visuals are stunning in parts and the money spent is clearly visible, but some scenes still have a noticeable studio/green screen feel with a few cartoonish asuras. The biggest negative, hands down, is the music. For a story like Ramayana, the score has to carry much of the divinity and emotion, but the Indian-Hollywood blend largely backfires and ends up feeling like neither apart from a few scenes.
The ambition and scale deserve a lot of applause. Definitely watchable and better than a few recent adaptations, but it falls short of the massive expectations and ultimately feels like a mixed bag with so much more potential.
Full review with rating later in my usual style (review embargo)
— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) October 28, 2026
One reaction described his performance as sublime, while another viewer said the character’s emotional moments left a lasting impression.
Yash has also emerged as a major highlight.
His commanding screen presence as Ravana, particularly during the character’s introduction, has attracted attention, with some viewers describing his performance as magnetic.
Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita has also received appreciation.
However, some early feedback suggests that the film does not consistently deliver the emotional depth expected from such a significant mythological story.
Ramayana Compared to The Lord of the Rings
One of the most talked-about reactions compared the film’s cinematic experience to The Lord of the Rings.
A viewer praised its epic scale and said the cliffhanger ending left them shouting in surprise.
Just now i got to know that my friend has also watched #Ramayana movie yesterday at Los Angeles 😭
I literally dumping and screening after seeing his reviews, he said it’s going to be madness on screen, it might be an All Time Industry Hit. No other movie can break it’s record 😭🔥🔥 https://t.co/UQdshOw2NL
— Varun (@Varun__Tweets) October 29, 2026
The comparison has added to the conversation around the film’s ambition and world-building.
However, it represents an individual reaction rather than a wider critical consensus.
Another review from the LA premiere #Ramayana ❤️🔥 https://t.co/nWyvuJRVDN
— Aryan (@Ranbir_loyalist) October 28, 2026
The film’s reported ending has also generated curiosity about the second instalment, which is planned for 2027.
Grand Visuals and Action, but VFX and Music Receive Mixed Feedback
The film’s large-scale presentation, action choreography and visual effects have impressed some viewers.
This is like 20th Review I’m covering today and I’ve not seen a single negative one yet, Namit has definitely showed different movie to different people (IYKYK)
This movie is going to create HISTORY💥
A small update : They are now selling around 2K tickets per hour on BMS. https://t.co/Y7TNvSrxsw— KBP Reviews🏹 (@KshitizCritic) October 28, 2026
The Ravana-Jatayu confrontation has also been highlighted in online discussions following the screening.
However, not all reactions have been enthusiastic.
Some viewers criticised portions of the CGI, while others felt that extended action sequences occasionally overshadowed the emotional storytelling.
EXCLUSIVE — #Ramayana Inside Report
The screenplay of #RamayanaPart1 feels SLOW AND WEAK.
Both Ram and Ravan’s entry blocks are 15 MINS LONG. The Sita–Ram conversation, Arrow sequence & Ravan fight LACK IMPACT.
Lara Dutta & Sheeba Chaddha STAND OUT despite brief roles. Arun Govil, Rakul Preet, Kunal Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi & RD fail to leave an impression.
The Swayamvar scene & a few songs are GOOD. But once Vanvaas begins, it’s all DOWNHILL.
The scale of action is VERY BIG, but some sequences lack the required impact. Lanka visuals are NOT SATISFACTORY.
BGM & Music are DECENT, but the emotional connection is missing.
SP is a drawback. You never truly feel the PAIN of the abduction and the suffering that follows.
The Jatayu scene may make some FEEL PAIN as he struggles hard.
Rishi Agastya & the AMOGH scene are GOOD.
Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Lanka & Mithla are the only four major locations. The BUDGET DOESN’T LOOK JUSTIFIED.
Ram Setu scene… THE END!
Religious audiences may NOT BE IMPRESSED with the film.
The film may win VISUALLY & TECHNICALLY, but the casting and emotional connection are NOT UP TO THE MARK.
FINAL VERDICT: SCALE WINS. SOUL LOSES.
— BFilmy Tweets (@BFilmyTweets) October 28, 2026
The background score has also received mixed feedback.
The collaboration between A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer had raised expectations, but some early viewers felt the music did not consistently deliver the spiritual atmosphere and emotional impact they expected.
Ramayana AI Dubbing Clarification at LA Premiere
Another talking point from the premiere was the use of artificial intelligence for the film’s multilingual presentation.
Director Nitesh Tiwari clarified that AI technology was used for lip synchronisation, while the dialogue was recorded by human dubbing artists.
The clarification came amid online discussion about the technology used to prepare the film for international audiences.
Ramayana Runtime, Cast and Release Date
Earlier reports have put the Hindi version’s runtime at approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with the English version reportedly shorter.
The final runtimes should be checked against official listings.
The main cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
Ramayana: Part One is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026, with paid previews reportedly planned for November 4. The second instalment is planned for Diwali 2027.
Final Verdict: An Ambitious Epic With Mixed Early Reactions
The first reactions suggest that Ramayana: Part One has made an impression through its scale and lead performances, particularly Ranbir Kapoor’s Rama and Yash’s Ravana.
Its visuals and cliffhanger have also generated excitement.
However, concerns about pacing, music, CGI and emotional depth mean the initial response remains mixed.
These are preliminary reactions from a special screening, not a substitute for a full review or the wider audience verdict.
The full critical picture should become clearer as more reviews emerge ahead of the November 5 release.
Lead Image: Prime Focus, DNEG
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