Ramayana First Review: Yash Shines, But Music Disappoints

Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana First Review: Venky Reviews shares his initial impressions of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash’s much-awaited mythological epic after its world premiere.

The first reactions to Namit Malhotra’s ambitious Ramayana have started emerging following its world premiere in Los Angeles. While the much-awaited mythological epic has generated considerable buzz for its grand scale and visual spectacle, early impressions suggest that the film may not completely live up to the massive expectations surrounding it.

Film reviewer Venky Reviews took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 28 to share his initial impressions of the film. While praising its ambition, production scale and performances, the reviewer also pointed out shortcomings in its storytelling, visual effects and music. His reaction describes the film as a mixed bag that has considerable potential but does not always deliver the emotional impact expected from a story as significant as the Ramayana.

Ramayana First Review: Yash Emerges as the Biggest Highlight 

According to Venky Reviews, Yash, who plays Ravana, is the film’s biggest highlight. The reviewer particularly praised the actor’s introduction sequences, calling his performance superb. Yash’s portrayal of the powerful antagonist appears to be one of the strongest aspects of the film’s initial reception.

Ranbir Kapoor, who essays Lord Rama, and Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, also receive praise for their performances. However, Venky Reviews felt that the divine aura and emotional depth associated with these revered characters do not always translate effectively onto the screen.

Grand Visuals Impress, But Storytelling Feels Uneven

The reviewer acknowledged the scale of the production and the effort invested in bringing the epic to life. He also noted that the film largely stays true to the original Ramayana.

However, he felt that the narrative relies more heavily on spectacle and action than on drama and emotion. Some portions reportedly feel flat, with the storytelling occasionally resembling a television serial rather than a grand cinematic epic.

Venky Reviews also pointed out that the second half loses momentum in places. According to his initial reaction, the limited material covered before the film’s chosen ending is stretched through lengthy action sequences that fail to create the desired impact.

While several visuals are stunning, some scenes reportedly retain a noticeable studio or green-screen appearance. The reviewer also criticised the appearance of a few asuras, describing them as cartoonish.

Ramayana Music Faces Major Criticism

Music emerged as the biggest disappointment in Venky Reviews’ initial assessment. For a mythological story like the Ramayana, the background score plays a crucial role in creating a sense of divinity, emotional depth and grandeur.

However, the reviewer felt that the blend of Indian and Hollywood musical styles largely fails to achieve the desired effect, working only in a few scenes. The criticism is particularly significant given the film’s international ambitions and its collaboration between composers A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

Does Ramayana Live Up to the Hype?

Despite the criticism, Venky Reviews acknowledged the film’s ambition and grand scale, describing it as watchable and better than some recent adaptations. However, he felt that it falls short of the enormous expectations surrounding the project.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part One features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is part of a planned two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.

Venky Reviews has clarified that these are only his initial impressions, with his full review and rating to follow after the review embargo lifts. Until then, his reaction offers an early indication of both the strengths and the challenges facing one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects.