‘Ramayana’: a legend reborn on an epic scale

Have you ever wondered what your destiny in life is? Do you determine your own fate or are you simply following a path already laid out for you, bound by societal expectations and familial responsibilities?

At its core, the ancient Hindu epic “Ramayana”, written by the revered Indian sage Valmiki, revolves around two central figures: its protagonist, Ram, and antagonist, Ravana.

Their destinies collide on a gargantuan scale, drawing gods, demons, mythical creatures and entire families into a monumental battle between light and darkness.

It is little wonder, then, that the “Ramayana” has long captured the imagination of artists and storytellers, inspiring countless works of art, sculptures, wayang kulit performances and on-screen adaptations.

This latest retelling by director and screenwriter Nitesh Tiwari may well be the most ambitious yet – and possibly one of the best.

Its arrival in cinemas in the Deepavali season is especially fitting, given Ram’s enduring place in the festival’s traditions for many Hindu communities.

Arguably India’s most expensive film to date, “Ramayana: Part One” makes no attempt to downplay the grandeur of its source material. While previous adaptations have often placed greater emphasis on the religious and spiritual dimensions of the tale, few filmmakers have attempted to capture its sheer scale and epic scope quite like Tiwari does here.

The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi and Ravi Dubey, is packed with breathtaking landscapes, fantastic beasts and weapons, lavish sets and jaw-dropping battle sequences.

Throw in AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer as joint composers, and you have a fantasy blockbuster that leaves you wanting more.

“Part One” follows Prince Ram (Kapoor), an earthly avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, whose claim to the throne of Ayodhya is derailed by palace intrigue and a long-standing promise.

Forced into a 14-year exile, he retreats into the wilderness with his wife Sita (Sai) and younger brother Lakshmana (Dubey), where they encounter powerful demons and supernatural forces.

Their ordeal takes a devastating turn when Ravana (Yash), the demon king of Lanka, sets his sights on Sita, setting the stage for a conflict with far-reaching consequences.

At the heart of the story is Ram, a man bound by a seemingly predetermined destiny. Throughout the film, he grapples with his purpose in the world, seeking answers through the lens of dharma, or righteous duty.

While this gives his character a strong philosophical foundation, it can also make him seem somewhat flat on screen. Only in the closing scene does Ram declare: “From this day onward, I will write my own destiny” – hinting at the transformation to come in Part Two.

While Ram’s internal struggle drives the narrative, it is the film’s spectacle that truly brings its world to life. The CGI rivals that of Hollywood fantasy blockbusters, immersing audiences in a realm of monstrous giants, flying elephants, nuclear-powered arrows and gods.

The opening battle between the devas and asuras on a snow-covered mountain is particularly spectacular.

But the film’s appeal is not just visual: Kannada actor Yash delivers a nuanced performance as Ravana, arguably the film’s best-written character. Given a compelling backstory and clear motivations, the demon king emerges as more than a one-dimensional villain.

Yash brings a surprising degree of humanity to the role, allowing audiences to see the conflict from Ravana’s perspective.

Complementing these performances is a commanding score by Rahman and Hans Zimmer. While Zimmer heightens the grandeur of the action, Rahman grounds the film in its Indian heritage. Ravana’s theme is particularly captivating.

For all its visual splendour, the film’s biggest setback is its staggering 194-minute runtime – or three hours and 14 minutes, for those who need the maths done for them.

With so many subplots, it sometimes feels overextended: one wonders if it might have worked better as a TV series in the vein of “Game of Thrones”.

Still, if you can stomach the lengthy runtime, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. More than just a battle between gods and demons, “Ramayana: Part One” leaves audiences pondering the age-old question of whether we are masters of our own destiny or merely players in a story already written.

And with Part Two still to come, an even more exciting chapter may yet lie ahead.

As of press time, ‘Ramayana: Part One’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.