Ramayana Fails To Deliver? Critic Says Film ‘Feels Flat, Serial-Like’ At Times

Ramayana has divided critics. While one reviewer has given it 2.5 stars, another has awarded the film a perfect five-star rating.

The contrasting reviews give very different opinions about Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious adaptation. One critic has raised concerns about its storytelling, while another has described the film as spectacular.

Critic Gives Ramayana 2.5 Stars, Says It ‘Feels Flat, Serial Like…’

Venky Reviews shared his review of Ramayana on X, giving the film 2.5 stars. He summed up his views by writing, “#Ramayana A Watchable Epic That Prioritizes Spectacle and Action Over Drama and Emotion!” He also explained what worked and what disappointed him throughout the film.

He further shared. “The film opens superbly with Ravana’s introduction, and the first half offers a decent experience overall despite a few dips here and there. But instead of giving enough weight and properly introducing the rest of characters, the narration moves from one event to another, making the drama feel flat and even serial like at times. The second half is where it starts to falter, with very prolonged action sequences becoming tiring before the climax briefly picks up momentum again. Even where Part 1 chooses to end feels somewhat unsatisfying, especially knowing that most of the major high points are being saved for a sequel that is still two years away.”

He also discussed the performances and technical aspects, writing, “Yash is easily the biggest highlight and delivers a terrific performance as Ravana. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi are sincere as Ram and Sita, but the divine and emotional connect never comes through consistently. Technically, the film is impressive, but Ramayana needs more than scale. AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer’s score is the biggest disappointment and often feels more like a generic superhero score than something that captures the story’s spiritual essence.”

Concluding his review, he wrote, “Better than a few recent adaptations and definitely watchable with expectations in check, but the ambition never fully translates into lasting impact. A mixed bag that leaves you thinking about how much more it could’ve been.”

#Ramayana A Watchable Epic That Prioritizes Spectacle and Action Over Drama and Emotion! The film opens superbly with Ravana’s introduction, and the first half offers a decent experience overall despite a few dips here and there. But instead of giving enough weight and properly introducing the rest of characters, the narration moves from one event to another, making the drama feel flat and even serial like at times. The second half is where it starts to falter, with very prolonged action sequences becoming tiring before the climax briefly picks up momentum again. Even where Part 1 chooses to end feels somewhat unsatisfying, especially knowing that most of the major high points are being saved for a sequel that is still two years away. Yash is easily the biggest highlight and delivers a terrific performance as Ravana. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi are sincere as Ram and Sita, but the divine and emotional connect never comes through consistently. Technically, the film is impressive, but Ramayana needs more than scale. AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer’s score is the biggest disappointment and often feels more like a generic superhero score than something that captures the story’s spiritual essence. Better than a few recent adaptations and definitely watchable with expectations in check, but the ambition never fully translates into lasting impact. A mixed bag that leaves you thinking about how much more it could’ve been. Rating: 2.5/5

— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) October 31, 2026

Another Popular Bollywood Critic Gives It 5 Stars

Meanwhile, Bollywood trade analyst and critic Taran Adarsh gave Ramayana five stars. He described the film as "SPECTACULAR" in his review shared on X. His rating offers a stark contrast to Venky Reviews' opinion, which gave the film only 2.5 stars.

A five-star rating suggests an exceptional cinematic experience with little room for criticism. However, even films with impressive production values and performances can have shortcomings. Considering the issues shared by Venky Reviews, the perfect rating may seem exaggerated.

#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.

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 31, 2026

About Ramayana

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey portrays Lakshman. The film brings together a large ensemble cast for its retelling of the Hindu epic.

Produced by Namit Malhotra, the project is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation. Part One is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. The second instalment is expected to arrive during Diwali 2028.