India’s costliest film Ramayana opens to mixed reviews
Director Nitesh Tiwari's costly epic earns praise for its scale but criticism for its acting and effects, according to BBC News.
Key points
- India's most expensive film has opened in cinemas worldwide
- Reported budget of $500m (£370m) for a two-part production
- Reviews range from three to four stars, with some critics rating it lower
- Some reviewers praised the score by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer
- Criticism focused on action, CGI and AI-adjusted lip movements in the English version
A new film described as the most expensive ever made in India has reached cinemas around the world, according to BBC News. The production retells the Hindu epic Ramayana in two parts, and the first instalment reportedly cost $500m (£370m). Expectations have been high, but reactions from reviewers have been far from uniform.
The film, titled Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, was directed by Nitesh Tiwari. It features leading Indian performers, special-effects work from Hollywood, and a score by two composers who have won Oscars. The filmmakers hope to introduce a deeply respected national narrative to viewers across the globe. A second part is planned for release next year.
Critics divided on the spectacle
Reviews in India have varied widely. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave the film three out of five stars. He said its huge visuals often pushed the storyline into the background, and he described the acting as wildly inconsistent.
Rishabh Suri of the Hindustan Times awarded four stars. He praised the performances and effects, but he said the opening hour dragged and the music failed to impress. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave three stars. She admitted she was doubtful at first about the film’s grand scale, but later became a convert and described it as a flawless epic.
International reactions were also split. Writing in The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw gave four stars and praised the film as an engaging, stirring and dazzling melodrama. Siddhant Adlakha of IGN scored it four out of 10, criticising its action sequences and computer-generated imagery. Giovanni Lago of Next Best Picture gave five out of 10 and praised the lead villain and the score.
The cast and the story
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, a prince sent away from his kingdom for 14 years. Sai Pallavi plays his wife Sita, who is kidnapped by Ravana, played by Yash. The battle between Ram and Ravana is set to appear in the second part.
The music combines the work of AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. The film also brings back Arun Govil, who played Ram in the classic television series Ramayan. This time he appears as Dasharatha, Ram’s father.
Why the film matters in India
The film opened just before Diwali, the festival that marks Ram’s return to Ayodhya. It arrives at a time when Ram has become a powerful symbol of Hindu identity in India. Earlier retellings of the epic have sometimes caused controversy.
The 2023 film Adipurush faced calls for a ban from Hindu groups, and some critics questioned its portrayal of Ravana. Kapoor told the BBC Asian Network that he felt fear before taking the role. He described it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Critics also objected to the use of AI to adjust actors’ lip movements in the English-language version. Tiwari said the goal was to help the film reach overseas viewers more easily. How audiences respond in cinemas will show more clearly how the film is received.
Frequently asked questions
When did Ramayana: Rise of a Legend open?
The film has opened in cinemas worldwide, just before Diwali, according to the BBC. It is the first of two planned films.
Who directed Ramayana: Rise of a Legend?
The film was directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi plays Sita.
Why has the film drawn mixed reviews?
Critics praised its spectacle and music but criticised the acting, action scenes, computer-generated imagery and AI-adjusted lip movements in the English version.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
