‘Ramayana’ First Review: Ranbir Kapoor’s Sublime Rama and Yash’s Magnetic Ravana Lead an Epic Mythological Spectacle
Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana: Part 1', starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, premiered in Los Angeles on October 27, 2026, receiving early praise for its scale and performances, but also some criticism. The film is set for a global theatrical release on November 5, 2026, during Diwali, with strong advance bookings already recorded.
The highly anticipated mythological epic, Ramayana: Part 1, created a significant stir with its world premiere in Los Angeles on October 27, 2026. The Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, premiered at the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, sparking a flurry of early reactions from industry insiders and critics alike. While the film has been lauded for its grandeur and lead performances, initial reviews present a mixed bag, highlighting both its spectacular ambition and areas for refinement ahead of its worldwide release. ‘Ramayana’ Los Angeles Premiere Highlights: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash Hug; Sai Pallavi, Radhika Pandit, Namit Malhotra, Nitesh Tiwari Attend Grand Pre-Release Event.
‘Ramayana’ First Reactions
The red-carpet event at the David Geffen Theatre saw lead actors Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi (who plays Sita), and Yash, along with Director Nitesh Tiwari and Producer Namit Malhotra, pose for photographers, exuding excitement for the monumental project. The premiere was an invite-only 3D screening, setting the stage for the film's global rollout.
Watch the Trailer of ‘Ramayana’:
Early reactions have been largely enthusiastic, with several viewers describing Ramayana: Part 1 as a deeply felt experience and an "astounding event in cinematic history." Entertainment journalist Rama, for instance, praised the film on X, calling it "spectacular" and highlighting the "colossal" visuals, dance sequences, music, and action. He lauded Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Rama as "sublime" and Yash's Ravana as "magnetic," rating it among the year's most immersive big-screen experiences.
Film reviewer Theresa Simoni was moved to tears by Kapoor's performance, calling him "some serious talent." Another viewer drew comparisons to Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, stating they hadn't felt this way since the iconic fantasy epic.
‘Ramayana’ First Review/ Reaction
Foreigner's genuine and honest review of #Ramayana
WORLD PREMIER EVENT - Ramayana https://t.co/X8fQfclTB3
— Manit Nalhotra 🏹 (@Shourya1818) October 29, 2026
However, some early feedback has also pointed out aspects that could be improved. Critics noted that while visually ambitious, the film's emotional core didn't always come through, with certain parts feeling "serial like." The blend of Indian and Hollywood musical styles, composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, garnered mixed opinions, with some feeling it didn't consistently capture the expected divinity and emotional weight. Additionally, a few scenes reportedly exhibited a noticeable "studio/green screen feel," and some "cartoonish asuras" were mentioned.
Another Moviegoer Compared ‘Ramayana’ to ‘Lord of the Rings’
#Ramayana First REVIEW Out…!!
A BLOCKBUSTER VERDICT from the first audience :
“There’s nothing like this. The closest comparison is #LordOfTheRings, but even that doesn’t compare. https://t.co/9RYWq0NUnY
— Rangasthalam (@RangasthalamIN) October 28, 2026
The Epic Saga: Cast, Crew, and Looming Release
Ramayana: Part 1 is set to be the first instalment of a two-part cinematic adaptation of Valmiki's epic poem. The film is a massive undertaking, with an estimated combined budget of INR 4,000 crore (USD 420 million) for both parts, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.
The film boasts a vast ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher as Jatayu, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi.
Ramayana: Part 1 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, coinciding with the Diwali holidays, and will be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, with IMAX presentations planned. Sony Pictures is handling international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will distribute the film in the Hindi-speaking market.
Advance bookings for the film have already shown significant promise, crossing INR 15.60 crore in India and selling approximately 2.98 lakh tickets by October 29, 2026. Overseas, Ramayana has garnered USD 2.58 million in advance sales, with North America leading the charge. Sai Pallavi has revealed she has not yet started shooting for Ramayana: Part 2. Ramayana: Part 2 is anticipated to release during Diwali 2027, though reports suggest it might be pushed to Diwali 2028. Yash’s 10-Headed Gold Ravana Brooch at ‘Ramayana’ Los Angeles Premiere Goes Viral.
As the countdown to the global release continues, the Los Angeles premiere has undoubtedly ignited excitement, setting the stage for a cinematic experience that promises to be both grand and thought-provoking.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2026 04:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
