India’s Priciest Ramayana Reimagines Epic for Global Audiences, Dividing Critics
WHO:
BBC - Ranbir Kapoor stars in *Ramayana: Rise of a Legend*, described as the first of two parts.
Variety - Ranbir Kapoor and Yash star in *Ramayana Part 1*.
Variety - Producer Namit Malhotra said the adaptation was undertaken when the necessary talent, experience, and filmmaking capacity were in place.
Variety - Nitesh Tiwari, whose credits include *Dangal* and *Chhichhore*, directed the first of two films.
BBC - Peter Bradshaw of *The Guardian* described the film as a “thoroughly engaging, rousing and spectacular Indian epic melodrama.”
WHAT:
Screen Rant - The fantasy epic runs for 195 minutes and is dividing critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Screen Rant - The film’s theatrical release in the United States is taking place on the day described in the article.
BBC - *Ramayana: Rise of a Legend* retells a beloved Hindu epic and was described as India’s costliest film.
BBC - The film’s story includes royal intrigue that sends Rama into exile and Rama’s quest to rescue Sita.
BBC - Bradshaw said the film’s sweeping landscapes and fantastical imagery evoked *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Lion King*.
BBC - Bradshaw found echoes of Shakespeare in the royal intrigue and Homer in Rama’s quest.
Variety - Amazon Music and T-Series are backing a soundtrack by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
BBC - The film is described as the year’s most anticipated Bollywood film.
WHEN:
Variety - “Ramayana Part 1” opens worldwide on Nov. 5.
WHY:
Variety - Malhotra said the epic was adapted on this scale because the talent, experience, and filmmaking muscle needed to do the story justice were finally available.
(UPDATED November 5, 2026 21:06 UTC)
Ranbir Kapoor and Yash lead *Ramayana*, an ambitious retelling of the Hindu epic. Director Nitesh Tiwari’s first film follows Rama’s exile and quest to rescue Sita. The 195-minute fantasy has divided critics, with some praising its spectacular imagery.
--
(UPDATED November 5, 2026 17:05 UTC)
Ranbir Kapoor and Yash star in an ambitious retelling of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the first of two films follows Rama’s exile and rescue quest. Critics praise its spectacular imagery, while its soundtrack features A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.