Ramayana (2026) Movie First Review: Get ready for a grand Diwali spectacle as Nitesh Tiwari brings the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana to the big screen in a much-awaited cinematic retelling. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash in pivotal roles, the much-awaited film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the film, a special screening was recently held in Los Angeles earlier this week at the David Geffen Theatre, located inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Ramayana Might Have A Special Screening At Rashtrapati Bhavan
Director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra are leaving no stone unturned to make Ramayana one of the biggest cinematic spectacles of the year.
Ramayana Part 1, arriving in cinemas on Nov 5 (Thursday), may also have a special screening for political leaders in New Delhi on its release day. According to a report by Mid-Day, Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi and Nitesh Tiwari are expected to be present at the proposed event.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the makers are considering two separate premiere events for the film, one in Mumbai and the other in Delhi. While the Mumbai premiere is reportedly being planned at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), the Delhi event could take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a high-profile screening.
Ramayana First Review & Ratings (India): Masterpiece Or Major Letdown?
With just a few days left before its theatrical debut, Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana continues to generate considerable buzz. Adding to the excitement, renowned Indian film critic Taran Adarsh has now shared his review of the much-awaited mythological epic.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Taran awarded the film a full five-star rating, describing it as a “truly STUNNING cinematic experience”.
#OneWordReview…#Ramayana: SPECTACULAR.Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐#JaiShriRam… You havent witnessed anything as MAGNIFICENT on the #Indian screen before… Scale. Visuals. Emotions. And SOUL – #Ramayana has it all… A truly STUNNING cinematic experience. #RamayanaReviewDoes #Ramayana do justice to the timeless epic that holds a special place in the hearts of millions?… The answer is a BIG YES.Director #NiteshTiwari delivers a cinematic spectacle that celebrates the glory of #Indian culture and the eternal triumph of good over evil… Watertight screenwriting and an engrossing narrative keep you hooked throughout.You are captivated not merely by the awe-inspiring visuals and monumental scale, but also by the films soul… That emotional and spiritual connect is what sets #Ramayana apart.There are several standout sequences that blend visual grandeur with devotion, drama, and deeply moving moments [no spoilers] –⭐ The sequence between Brahma and Ravana in the beginning, followed by Ravana staking his claim on Lanka.⭐ The forest fight between Lord Rama and the rakshasas.⭐ The Sita Swayamvar.⭐ The deeply emotional pre-interval portion featuring King Dashrath, Kaikeyi, and Lord Rama.⭐ The action sequence between Ravana and his brother-in-law Vidyutjeev.⭐ The Shurpanakha episode.⭐ The Ravana – Jatayu fight on the Pushpaka Vimana.The songs, composed by #ARRahman, are seamlessly woven into the narrative, complementing the mood and emotional tone of the film.The background score by #HansZimmer and #ARRahman is terrific… It amplifies the drama, heightens the emotional impact, and lends the narrative a sweeping, larger-than-life quality.Academy Award-winning visual effects powerhouse #DNEG deserves distinction marks for its phenomenal work… They raise the bar, delivering one of the most breathtaking visual experiences ever witnessed on the #Indian screen.The action sequences deserve brownie points, too, combining scale, intensity, and spectacle… The production design is equally impressive, creating a world that stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of global cinema. #RanbirKapoor delivers a remarkable performance, portraying the character with grace, dignity, and quiet strength… His composed demeanour, expressive eyes, and effortless screen presence lend the character an aura of divinity.#SaiPallavi brings dignity and strength to her role, while her naturalistic performance lends tenderness and warmth to the emotional moments.#Yash is in superb form… His imposing screen presence and sheer intensity make him a formidable force, lending the antagonist the larger-than-life stature the character demands.#RavieDubey is excellent… He brings remarkable conviction and sincerity to the role… His earnest portrayal makes the character both engaging and endearing.#RakulPreet is first-rate, delivering a performance that is sure to make an impact.A lot has been said and written about #SunnyDeols presence in the first part of #Ramayana… I wont reveal anything here – just watch the film!#ArunGovil is perfectly cast… Its wonderful to see him on the big screen after a gap.#Shobhana is excellent… #LaraDutta is superb… #VivekOberoi makes his presence felt… #SheebaChadha is effective… #AjinkyaDeo is solid.⭐ Final word? #Ramayana is not merely a film… ITS AN EXPERIENCE, a film that makes #India proud… An incredible cinematic achievement that is sure to captivate audiences across the world… Watch it on the largest screen possible!#NamitMalhotra deserves special appreciation for backing a film that matches international standards in scale, visual grandeur, and technical excellence.Already looking forward to the second part of #Ramayana, which arrives in #Diwali 2028.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 31, 2026“>
Praising director Nitesh Tiwari and the ensemble cast, the critic noted that the film does justice to the revered mythological epic while staying true to the essence of Indian culture.
On Saturday night, Taran Adarsh tweeted, “#OneWordReview…
#Ramayana: SPECTACULAR.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#JaiShriRam… You haven’t witnessed anything as MAGNIFICENT on the #Indian screen before… Scale. Visuals. Emotions. And SOUL – #Ramayana has it all… A truly STUNNING cinematic experience. #RamayanaReview
Does #Ramayana do justice to the timeless epic that holds a special place in the hearts of millions?… The answer is a BIG YES.
Director #NiteshTiwari delivers a cinematic spectacle that celebrates the glory of #Indian culture and the eternal triumph of good over evil… Watertight screenwriting and an engrossing narrative keep you hooked throughout.
You are captivated not merely by the awe-inspiring visuals and monumental scale, but also by the film’s soul… That emotional and spiritual connect is what sets #Ramayana apart.
There are several standout sequences that blend visual grandeur with devotion, drama, and deeply moving moments [no spoilers] –
⭐ The sequence between Brahma and Ravana in the beginning, followed by Ravana staking his claim on Lanka.
⭐ The forest fight between Lord Rama and the rakshasas.
⭐ The Sita Swayamvar.
⭐ The deeply emotional pre-interval portion featuring King Dashrath, Kaikeyi, and Lord Rama.
⭐ The action sequence between Ravana and his brother-in-law Vidyutjeev.
⭐ The Shurpanakha episode.
⭐ The Ravana – Jatayu fight on the Pushpaka Vimana.
The songs, composed by #ARRahman, are seamlessly woven into the narrative, complementing the mood and emotional tone of the film.
The background score by #HansZimmer and #ARRahman is terrific… It amplifies the drama, heightens the emotional impact, and lends the narrative a sweeping, larger-than-life quality.
Academy Award-winning visual effects powerhouse #DNEG deserves distinction marks for its phenomenal work… They raise the bar, delivering one of the most breathtaking visual experiences ever witnessed on the #Indian screen.
The action sequences deserve brownie points, too, combining scale, intensity, and spectacle… The production design is equally impressive, creating a world that stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of global cinema.
#RanbirKapoor delivers a remarkable performance, portraying the character with grace, dignity, and quiet strength… His composed demeanour, expressive eyes, and effortless screen presence lend the character an aura of divinity.
#SaiPallavi brings dignity and strength to her role, while her naturalistic performance lends tenderness and warmth to the emotional moments.
#Yash is in superb form… His imposing screen presence and sheer intensity make him a formidable force, lending the antagonist the larger-than-life stature the character demands.
#RavieDubey is excellent… He brings remarkable conviction and sincerity to the role… His earnest portrayal makes the character both engaging and endearing.
#RakulPreet is first-rate, delivering a performance that is sure to make an impact.
A lot has been said and written about #SunnyDeol’s presence in the first part of #Ramayana… I won’t reveal anything here – just watch the film!
#ArunGovil is perfectly cast… It’s wonderful to see him on the big screen after a gap.
#Shobhana is excellent… #LaraDutta is superb… #VivekOberoi makes his presence felt… #SheebaChadha is effective… #AjinkyaDeo is solid.
⭐ Final word? #Ramayana is not merely a film… IT’S AN EXPERIENCE, a film that makes #India proud… An incredible cinematic achievement that is sure to captivate audiences across the world… Watch it on the largest screen possible!
#NamitMalhotra deserves special appreciation for backing a film that matches international standards in scale, visual grandeur, and technical excellence.
Already looking forward to the second part of #Ramayana, which arrives in #Diwali 2028.”

