Mumbai: Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana, ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend,’ may promise an expansive visual spectacle, but it is Yash's portrayal of Ravana that ultimately commands attention. While the film seeks to recreate one of India's most revered epics on a grand scale, its strongest storytelling lies in exploring the making of the man who eventually becomes its principal antagonist.
Featuring elaborate visual effects, elaborate action sequences and a runtime of 195 minutes, the film attempts to combine mythology with cinematic grandeur. However, its visual ambition does not always translate into equally compelling character development. Several familiar figures remain insufficiently explored, making the narrative more impressive in its scale than emotionally engaging in parts.
Lankesh: Unraveling The Layers of A Complex Character
The film, written by Shridhar Raghavan and Nitesh Tiwari, makes an interesting narrative choice by beginning with Ravana's journey rather than immediately placing Lord Ram at the center of the story. This allows the audience to encounter Lankesh as a layered personality whose ambitions, circumstances and personal struggles shape his eventual transformation.
Yash brings considerable intensity to the ten-headed king, drawing upon his established screen persona of authority, physical command and swagger. However, his performance is not limited to projecting power. He also captures the vulnerability and internal conflicts of a character whose intellectual accomplishments and military prowess coexist with ambition and destructive impulses.
The film traces Ravana's struggle to establish his identity, secure power and improve the circumstances of his community, which has endured deprivation and social marginalisation. His scholarship, devotion to Lord Shiva, military abilities and relationship with his family receive considerable attention, offering a perspective that goes beyond his conventional depiction as the embodiment of evil.
Rakul Preet Lends Depth To Surpanakha
Rakul Preet Singh’s portrayal of Surpanakha also adds an interesting dimension to the narrative. Like Ravana, she is given room to assert her individuality and ambitions rather than remaining confined to the limited treatment often accorded to her character in popular retellings.
The contrast becomes particularly noticeable when the story moves towards Ayodhya. While considerable effort has gone into establishing Ravana's motivations and personality, several characters in Ram's world receive comparatively limited development. King Dashrath, played by Arun Govil, is presented as a benevolent ruler, while his queens largely embody conventional virtues. The four princes similarly reflect the ideals associated with their father’s kingdom.
Ravi Dubey’s Refreshing Take on Lakshman
One relatively refreshing characterization is that of Lakshman, played by Ravi Dubey. His dialogues bring an element of humor and playfulness to a character who is often portrayed primarily through his devotion to Ram.
Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita also face the challenge of inhabiting characters that have been interpreted repeatedly across generations. Their casting had attracted considerable discussion even before the film’s release, but both actors bring sincerity to their respective roles.
Sai Deviates From Traditional Sita
The depiction of Sita participating in battles against asuras alongside Ram and Lakshman offers a departure from some conventional portrayals. Nevertheless, her character largely remains within the familiar framework of virtue and idealized womanhood, leaving limited scope for a more expansive exploration of her personality.
The film’s greatest technical achievement lies in its visual presentation. Its expansive landscapes, elaborate production design, computer-generated imagery and action choreography create the scale expected of a project of this magnitude. These elements lend considerable momentum to the storytelling, although they cannot entirely compensate for the uneven treatment of its characters.
Ultimately, ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’ finds its most distinctive voice in its portrayal of Ravana. Yash’s performance, combined with the decision to explore the antagonist’s origins and motivations, gives the film a compelling centre. His intelligence, ambition, authority and mastery of technology, including the legendary Pushpaka Vimana, make him an imposing presence throughout the narrative.
With the second installment scheduled for release during Diwali 2028, it remains to be seen whether the balance between the central characters will shift in the next chapter. For now, despite being positioned as the antagonist, Ravana emerges as the character who leaves the strongest impression.