Hyderabad: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has shared a glowing review of Ramayana: Part 1 after watching the film for the second time. Interestingly, the filmmaker clarified that his views come from the perspective of an atheist and a cinema enthusiast, rather than a devotee of Lord Ram.
Taking to X, RGV heaped praise on director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for their ambitious attempt to bring the Indian epic to the big screen. While several reviews have appreciated the film’s scale but questioned its emotional depth, RGV argued that its soul lies in its grand vision and the emotions behind its making.
Describing the film as a landmark moment for Indian cinema, he said the makers had achieved something that filmmakers in the country had never even imagined. He also compared the scale of the film to the biggest Hollywood productions, saying its visuals made even some of the greatest international films look like stage plays.
He said, “This is Namit Malhotra’s slap on the faces and a kick in the crotches of Bollywoodians to wake them up from their lazy slumberness to show them what all is possible if there’s a will.”
RGV praises Yash’s Ravana, calls it a performance of several decades
One of the biggest highlights of Varma’s review was his appreciation for Yash’s portrayal of Ravana. Calling it a performance that would be remembered for decades, he said the actor did not simply play a villain but portrayed a powerful character shaped by penance, intelligence, ambition and devotion to Lord Shiva.
He also praised the way Ravana’s ten heads were presented, describing them as an expression of his knowledge and internal conflicts rather than a visual gimmick. According to Varma, Yash’s portrayal makes Ravana the gravitational centre of the story, adding that there is no Rama without Ravana.
RGV also defended Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram against criticism that the actor maintained a similar expression throughout the film. He argued that Ram’s character is defined by restraint and quiet strength rather than constant emotional expressions.
The filmmaker further appreciated the visual effects, particularly the opening cosmic battle, forest sequences and the climactic Jatayu sequence. He also praised the background score by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, saying the music complemented the visuals instead of competing with them.
RGV says Ramayana sets a new benchmark for Indian cinema
Varma also addressed criticism surrounding the film’s length and music, arguing that the makers needed sufficient time to establish the characters and their emotional journeys. He praised Tiwari for retaining the moral depth of the epic instead of turning it into a conventional masala action entertainer.
Concluding his review, the filmmaker called Ramayana: Part 1 the beginning of a new standard for Indian cinema. He even said that the only film capable of surpassing this cinematic experience would be its sequel.
About Ramayana: Part 1
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The music is composed by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
The two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic arrived in theatres worldwide on November 5, 2026. Its second instalment is scheduled for Diwali 2027.
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Source: The Siasat Daily
