New Delhi: For centuries, the story of Ramayana has been about Ram and Sita, the triumph of good over evil. But Ravana, who stands for everything opposite to what Ram represents, is getting as much attention from audiences in Namit Malhotra’s recently launched Ramayana: Rise of the Legend. Played by Rocking Star Yash, the character is being praised by fans, who say the actor, best known for his work in South Indian cinema, has established himself as a pan-India star.
The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, was released in theatres worldwide on 5 November, ahead of Diwali. It has made a strong start at the box office, collecting an estimated Rs 77.50 crore gross in India on its opening day and grossing Rs 127.5 crore worldwide. Yash’s casting has also helped drive interest in the Kannada version, with Karnataka emerging as one of the film’s strongest markets.
Several prominent filmmakers from across the country, including SS Rajamouli, Karan Johar and Atlee, have come forward to praise Ramayana, lauding its ambitious scale, visual spectacle and the performances of its lead cast.
The RRR director Rajamouli said the film’s scale and visuals were spectacular to watch on the big screen. Praising the performances, he particularly highlighted Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana and Pallavi as Sita.
“Ranbir as Rama, especially from the Vanavasam onwards, is serene yet magnificent. Yash brings a menacing presence as Ravana, while Sai Pallavi is graceful as Sita. The pre-climax and climax… loved every bit of it,” Rajamouli posted on X.
Producer and director Johar, meanwhile, called the film a ‘miracle’, praising its cinematic adaptation of a story deeply embedded in India’s cultural consciousness.
“You have read it, seen it, told it… and yet to be blown away by its cinematic adaptation is no short of a Miracle! I salute, I applaud and I have the deepest respect for each and every team member,” Johar posted on Instagram.
Jawan director Atlee also joined the chorus of praise, describing Ramayana as Indian cinema standing tall on the global stage. He applauded its “grand vision, cultural roots” and the performances of Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi.
“This is what Indian cinema is capable of! Our stories, our culture, our emotions – presented to the world on a magnificent scale… Ramayana is an Indian film, and the world is going to celebrate it!.. a cinematic experience that will stay in my heart forever,” he posted on X.
Ravana steals the show
Directors and producers were mostly focused on Kapoor and Pallavi, but viewers loved how Yash carried out the role of Ravana in the movie. He has widely emerged as a major talking point, with many audiences and critics noting that his intense screen presence and layered backstory managed to capture significant attention.
“Look at his class act as Ravana in Ramayana! What makes Yash truly special is his ability to balance superstardom with exceptional acting prowess. He inhabits Ravana with such conviction that every facet of the character feels authentic, impactful and fascinating to watch. He is one of the biggest highlights of the film,” film critic Komal Nahta posted on X.
Another X user is already waiting for the second part after watching Yash’s performance in the film.
“Yash as Ravana went nuclear…Clear your bias and just go watch it! Need Part 2 now,” the user posted on X.
Another X user posted, “Yash’s aura as Ravana is next-level. Best screen presence we’ve seen till date,” another user commented.
Sharing three major highlights of the film, another X user highlighted on Ravana’s powerful introduction, the Pathuthalai Ravana sequence and the battles between Ravana and Jatayu.
“Rocking Star Yash as Ravana is Pure Goosebumps!…The aura, screen presence, intensity and sheer command of Yash are on another level!” the user posted.
Also read: Ranbir Kapoor’s daughter Raha visited Ramayana sets, filmed a scene
Viewers’ mixed reactions to Ram and Sita
The reactions to Kapoor playing Ram and Pallavi playing Sita, however, have been mixed. While several viewers praised their chemistry and portrayals, others questioned whether the actors looked divine enough to play the characters worshipped by millions.
“Had doubts on RK, but he won me over and made me believe he is RAM! And Yash as Ravana was insane..Sai Pallavi was lovely,” an X user posted.
Another X user called Kapoor’s performance “calm, composed and compassionate” and focused on how Pallavi “maintains Sita’s royal elegance”.
Commenting on the duo’s on-screen chemistry, another X user posted, “Sai Pallavi brings grace and serenity to Sita and her chemistry with Ranbir was perfect.
However, the praise was accompanied by criticism, with some viewers arguing that Ram appears like a secondary character in the franchise’s first instalment, while others questioned the writing and characterisation.
“Let’s be completely honest, if I ever actually watch this movie, it’s 100 per cent just for Sai Pallavi. All the criticism needs to go toward Ranbir because he simply doesn’t fit or look the part of Ram at all,” a user commented.
Meanwhile, another X user said that the characters of Kapoor and Pallavi are “severely underwritten”.
“Both barely have any lines and seem stuck in a single facial expression for the entire film. Ranbir’s delivery as Lord Ram comes across as robotic, and Sai Pallavi’s Sita is given almost no room to actually emote,” another user posted.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)