Entertainment

Ramayana: Rise of a Legend – A Massive Epic Film Review

By Peter Bradshaw

Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is a three‑hour Indian epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari, with music composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The film adapts the ancient poem about Rama, the avatar of Vishnu, on a scale never before seen in Indian cinema. It contains no musical numbers. The story follows Prince Rama, played by Ranbir Kapoor, who is destined to confront the king of Lanka, Ravana, portrayed by Naveen “Yash” Kumar. In Ayodhya, Rama marries Sita, played by Sai Pallavi, and shares a close bond with his brother Lakshmana, played by Ravi Dubey. Their father, King Dasharatha, played by Arun Govil, intends to pass the throne to Rama, but step‑mother Kaikeyi, played by Lara Dutta, reminds him of a promise to Bharata, played by Adinath Kothare. Consequently, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are exiled to the forest. In Lanka, Ravana’s brother‑in‑law Vidyutjihva, played by Vivek Oberoi, is killed by Ravana, and Vidyutjihva’s widow Shurpanakha, played by Rakul Preet Singh, is banished to the same forest. Shurpanakha falls in love with Rama and uses her charms to manipulate him, setting the stage for a confrontation between Rama and Ravana. The film features large‑scale sets, sweeping sunset skies, and a flying machine piloted by Ravana that evokes a Gilliamesque feel. It draws comparisons to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Disney’s The Lion King, and showcases the straightforward, energetic storytelling reminiscent of Hollywood sword‑and‑sandal films of the 1950s and 60s. The result is an engaging adventure that highlights the grandeur of the original epic.