Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana premiered in Los Angeles on October 27, with the first audience reactions offering a mixed verdict on the film. While several viewers praised its grand scale, visual spectacle and performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, others criticised the music and pacing, arguing that the film sometimes prioritises action over emotional depth.
Comparisons with The Lord of the Rings have featured prominently in reactions to the film, with one content creator describing the experience as something rarely seen in cinema. However, some viewers felt that the adaptation did not fully deliver the spiritual and emotional impact expected from the epic.
The first instalment of the two-part film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
'Even Lord of the Rings doesn't compare'
One content creator who attended the Los Angeles premiere described Ramayana as an extraordinary cinematic experience, comparing its scale and ambition with Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films.
“There is nothing like Ramayana in the cinematic universe. I haven't felt like this since the very first Lord Of The Rings movie came out. This movie is very grand and very epic,” the viewer said.
Praising the portrayal of Rama and the film's conclusion, the reviewer added that the cliffhanger left him shouting “no” when the film ended, particularly because a second instalment is still to come.
“The closest thing to this film is Lord Of The Rings and even that doesn't compare,” the content creator said, describing it as a substantial three-hour cinematic experience.
Ranbir Kapoor and Yash win praise for their performances
Several viewers singled out the lead actors, with Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Rama and Yash's performance as Ravana emerging as highlights.
One viewer described the film as spectacular, praising its visuals, dance sequences, music and action. “Ranbir Kapoor was sublime, Yash was magnetic,” the review said, calling the film one of the year's most immersive cinematic experiences.
Another viewer said Kapoor's performance as Prince Rama was deeply moving.
“The actor playing Prince Raama (Ranbir Kapoor) is some serious talent, moved to tears! An unforgettable experience,” the viewer wrote, promising a full review on Friday.
Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita also received praise from a reviewer who described her performance, alongside Kapoor's, as solid.
Reviewers say spectacle sometimes overshadows emotion
Not all reactions were entirely positive. One review praised the scale of the production and the effort behind the adaptation but argued that the film occasionally favours spectacle and action over drama and emotional storytelling.
“A hugely ambitious film mounted on a grand scale, and the effort behind it is clearly visible,” the review stated, adding that the team largely remained faithful to the Ramayana.
However, it said parts of the narration felt flat and “even serial like at times”. The reviewer also felt that the second half dragged in places, affecting the film's overall impact.
Yash's portrayal of Ravana was described as a major highlight, particularly during the character's introductory sequences. Kapoor and Pallavi were also praised for their performances as Rama and Sita, although the review suggested that the characters' divine aura and emotional weight did not always translate fully on screen.
AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer's music draws criticism
The music, composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, emerged as one of the most criticised aspects of the film in the early reactions.
One reviewer called the score the film's biggest negative, arguing that the music of a story such as the Ramayana must convey its spiritual significance and emotional depth.
“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 review said.
Another viewer similarly criticised the music for failing to deliver the spiritual and emotional impact expected from the epic. The review also raised concerns about the pacing, describing the second half as stretched and arguing that lengthy action sequences added little to the overall experience.
Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer acknowledged the film's visual ambition and strong moments, describing it as a mixed bag with considerable untapped potential.
About Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is a two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, and Yash takes on the role of Ravana. The cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
The film is produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, with a musical score by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
The first instalment is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on November 5, 2026. While early reactions have praised its scale, visuals and leading performances, criticism of its music and pacing suggests that the film's reception may depend on how audiences weigh its spectacle against its emotional and spiritual storytelling.