Ramayana surprises its biggest critics: 5 things the internet got wrong
Ramayana's theatrical release has overturned pre-release doubts regarding its visuals and casting, impressing audiences with strong performances and intimate emotional moments.
Published 9 November 2026
The Pre-Release Backlash
Long before its November 5 release, the internet had already formed a harsh opinion about Ramayana. Social media was flooded with complaints about artificial-looking visual effects and a reported Rs 4,000 crore budget that invited widespread ridicule.
Casting choices also drew intense scrutiny, with critics questioning Ranbir Kapoor's suitability to play Rama, Sai Pallavi's casting as Sita, and the much-hyped musical collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, turning the highly anticipated cinematic spectacle into one of the most written-off films before it even hit screens.
Visual Effects Surpass Expectations
The primary pre-release criticism focused on artificial environments and creatures that many compared to cheap AI-generated imagery based on early promotional footage.
However, the finished film delivered a different experience, heavily aided by the eight-time Academy Award-winning visual effects studio DNEG. Standout sequences such as the Jatayu-Ravana encounter and the Tadaka action set pieces successfully established a large-scale mythological world, even though a few Asuras and polished CGI backgrounds still appeared somewhat artificial.
Finding an Emotional Core
A major fear ahead of release was that Ramayana would become a hollow spectacle focused solely on battles and divine weapons rather than its characters' relationships. Fortunately, the film discovered an emotional foundation through intimate, quieter moments.
Interactions such as Rama's relationship with Kaikeyi, a tender father-son moment with Dasharatha, and casual forest conversations with Lakshmana provided genuine warmth and reminded audiences of the human bonds beneath the epic conflict.
Sai Pallavi Silences Critics
Sai Pallavi faced considerable online discussion concerning her appearance, styling, and general suitability to portray Sita, a figure deeply embedded in India's cultural memory.
In the theatrical release, she brought grace, compassion, and agency to the character without relying on excessive theatricality or exaggerated expressions, largely justifying her casting through a restrained and dignified performance.
An Ensemble Cast Shines
While pre-release discussions were dominated by the central trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, the wider supporting cast delivered crucial weight to the world of Lanka and Ayodhya.
Arun Govil brought emotional gravity as King Dasharatha, Ravie Dubey surprised viewers as an impulsive and loyal Lakshmana, and actors like Lara Dutta, Sheeba Chaddha, Rakul Preet Singh, Kajal Aggarwal, Shobana, and Vivek Oberoi successfully fleshed out the surrounding characters.
Ranbir and Yash Take Different Paths
Ranbir Kapoor faced heavy skepticism regarding whether he could embody Rama's restraint and dignity, choosing to play the role with stillness, composed body language, and minimal theatrics.
On the other hand, Yash emerged as a major crowd-puller as Ravana, leaning into a more theatrical and intensely dramatic interpretation that quickly dominated online conversations compared to Ranbir's more subdued portrayal.
The Soundtrack Stumbles
Despite many positive surprises, the film's music stood out as a persistent weakness that failed to match the grand scale of the visuals.
The soundtrack collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer fell short of expectations, with tracks like Mangal Rang and Ravana Tandav receiving mixed responses from listeners who desired a more powerful and traditional musical treatment.
News Overview
The theatrical release of Ramayana successfully overturned numerous pre-release doubts by delivering impressive visual effects, strong ensemble performances, and touching emotional moments. While criticisms regarding its soundtrack remained valid, the film proved that promotional footage could not accurately predict the quality of a completed cinematic project.
Key facts
- The theatrical release of Ramayana happened after November 5, 2026.
- The film was reported to have a Rs 4,000 crore budget.
- DNEG is an eight-time Academy Award-winning visual effects company.
- AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer collaborated on the music.
- Arun Govil played Rama in Ramanand Sagar's 1987 television adaptation and plays Dasharatha in the film.