Context:

India’s most expensive film, a two-part retelling of the Ramayana, opened amid huge anticipation but drew mixed reviews. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and supported by top stars, Hollywood-scale visual effects, and a Rahman–Zimmer score, the production aims to bring the revered epic to a global audience, though critics diverge on its storytelling and spectacle. The release, timed for Diwali, underscores a cultural moment as Ramayana remains a potent symbol in India and prompts comparisons with the classic 1987 Ramayan TV series. Reactions range from praise of scale and performances to critiques of pacing, CGI, and a controversial lip-sync adjustment using AI. The film’s reception signals both ambitious crossover potential and ongoing debates over fidelity to tradition and modern production choices; a second installment is planned for next year, shaping expectations for the saga’s future reach.

Dive Deeper:

• Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and is the first of two planned films, with a reported budget around $500 million. Production combines India’s star power with Hollywood VFX expertise and a collaboration between Oscar-winning composers AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

• Cast highlights include Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana; Namit Malhotra also produces and leads the visual-effects company DNEG.

• Critical reception in India is mixed: NDTV’s Saibal Chatterjee gave it 3/5, praising spectacle but criticizing the storytelling; Hindustan Times’ Rishabh Suri offered 4 stars, noting strong visuals though pacing and music had flaws; The Indian Express’s Shubhra Gupta found it gradually compelling as the epic unfolded.

• International reviews vary: The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw called it a thoroughly engaging epic, while IGN’s Siddhant Adlakha rated it 4/10 for clunky action and CGI; some critics suggested the scope might have been better suited to a TV series in a Game of Thrones-like format.

• The film faced specific critiques over technology choices, including AI-assisted lip-sync for an English-language version, which some described as distracting rather than accessible.

• Context includes comparisons to Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 Ramayan, which drew massive viewership and reverence; the new film arrives amid contemporary debates over Hindu identity and how revered myths are reimagined in modern cinema.

• A second installment is planned for release next year, with anticipation about whether the expansion can sustain the momentum and address critics’ concerns while deepening the saga.