FILM REVIEW – SACHIN CHATTE
Film: Ramayana: Part 1
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash
Directed by: Nitesh Tiwari
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Rating: * * *
Even though Valmiki’s Ramayana is one of the most revered epics, the question remains: does it really warrant a film, particularly after Adipurush (2023) turned out to be such a disappointment? Produced by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari (of Dangal fame), the film certainly goes all out in terms of scale. The budget runs into four figures in crores, although one wonders if all that expenditure was necessary. At its heart, the Ramayana is about the triumph of good over evil. While vanquishing evil is central to the story, the film could probably have done without the long, drawn-out battle sequences that often resemble a video game.
Ramayana engages you most when it stays true to the essence of its story — that of Maryada Purushottam Ram. Raavan is, of course, an equally important character in the epic and, more so in the film, a formidable villain. The story itself has all the ingredients of a compelling cinematic entertainer, along with a larger message about righteousness and the choices we make. Ironically, the most expensive component of the film – its visual effect, particularly the monsters and the fights, turns out to be one of its liabilities. Despite the involvement of two major companies, DNEG and its parent company Prime Focus, the demons look like leftovers from The Lord of the Rings films. Having said that, the technical quality of the effects is on par with international productions. The question is whether they were necessary in the first place.
The film opens with a brief account of the battle between the gods and the asurs (demons). We then meet Raavan (Yash), the actor seems to be doing much the same as he did in Toxic — killing a lot of people. Not the most reassuring beginning. We quickly learn that diplomacy isn’t exactly his strong suit. And when he breaks into a dance, it provides a rather convenient opportunity for a toilet break.
As for the rest, the broad contours of the story are familiar. We know of the bond between Lord Ram (Ranbir Kapoor) and his brothers, the swayamvar in which Ram wins Sita’s (Sai Pallavi) hand by stringing Lord Shiva’s bow (a moment that might remind you of The Odyssey), and how Manthara manipulates Queen Kaikeyi into sending Ram into 14 years of exile and securing the throne for her son Bharat. The film chronicles the events up to Sita’s abduction in the forest, when Raavan takes her to Lanka. It ends with a post-credit appearance by Hanuman, with the rest of the story reserved for the sequel.
The target audience is clearly not limited to the domestic market. The scale of the production and some of the visuals are spectacular, and the film would probably benefit from a 3D viewing (I watched it in 2D).
Even though the story of the Ramayana is familiar to most, its values of kindness, generosity and compassion remain timeless. These are also the portions that worked best for me. Tiwari handles them with considerable sensitivity, particularly the Bharat milap, the Lakshman Rekha and some of the more widely recognised episodes from the epic.
At 195 minutes, the film could certainly have been crisper. Some of the battle sequences go on long after they have made their point. In fact, one wonders whether the entire Ramayana could have been told more effectively in a single, more compact film rather than being stretched across multiple instalments.
Hans Zimmer, making his Indian debut, has collaborated with A.R. Rahman on a rousing background score that is among the film’s highlights. Ranbir Kapoor brings sincerity to his portrayal of Ram, while Sai Pallavi makes a strong impression as Sita. Yash, when he isn’t busy dispatching people, brings out the various shades of Raavan and is effective as the antagonist.
Ultimately, Ramayana worked for me because of the values it reinforces rather than its spectacle. The technology, visual effects and grand battle sequences may grab attention, but it is the underlying message that stays with you. After all, kindness, compassion, and righteousness never go out of fashion. In fact, in today’s increasingly fractured world, these values are needed more than ever.
