Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana has received an enthusiastic first reaction following a screening in Mumbai. Content creator Ashish Chanchlani, who attended the screening, has praised the Ranbir Kapoor and Yash-starrer for its breathtaking visuals, spectacular action sequences and performances, describing it as a potential historic blockbuster.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ashish shared his initial response to the film, calling it a cinematic experience of “truly epic proportions”. While the large-scale action sequences particularly impressed him, he credited director Nitesh Tiwari for being the film’s biggest strength.
His reaction has added to the anticipation surrounding the first instalment, which is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on November 5, 2026.
Ashish Chanchlani Calls Ramayana a Blockbuster of Epic Proportions
In his review, Ashish praised the film’s action choreography and described its set pieces as among the best he had seen in Indian cinema. He also highlighted Tiwari’s control over the narrative and visual scale.
“Ramayana is a blockbuster of truly epic proportions, delivering some of the absolute best action set pieces Indian cinema has ever seen. But beyond the breathtaking visual spectacle, the film’s biggest strength is Nitesh Tiwari’s astute direction. This is entirely his ship, and he sails it with supreme control,” he wrote.
The content creator’s comments suggest that the film’s appeal extends beyond its visual spectacle. His reaction particularly highlights the director’s ability to bring together the large-scale action and storytelling.
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash Receive Praise
Ashish also had words of appreciation for the film’s principal cast. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, while Yash takes on the role of Ravana.
He also singled out Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, for his performance and the lighter moments involving the character.
“A special shoutout to Ravi Dubey – he absolutely smashes it as Laxman. Surprisingly, the film has some wholesome humorous scenes that include him,” Ashish mentioned.
His praise for Dubey offers an early glimpse into the character dynamics audiences can expect from the film. The observation about the humorous moments also suggests that the narrative includes lighter scenes alongside its dramatic and action-heavy sequences.
Ashish Chanchlani Points Out Minor Technical Issues
Despite his overwhelmingly positive reaction, Ashish also mentioned a few technical shortcomings. He felt that some de-aging shots in the night sequences appeared slightly off, although he did not consider them distracting enough to affect the overall experience.
“While there are minor technical hiccups along the way (a few de-aging shots in night sequences feel slightly off), the film is edited so tightly that you barely notice. Every single risk taken by DNEG and Namit Malhotra has paid off magnificently, with each action sequence outdoing the last. Nothing is going to stop this film from becoming a historic blockbuster,” he wrote.
His comments also highlighted the work of DNEG, the visual effects company associated with the film, and producer Namit Malhotra. The production’s extensive visual effects work is a major part of the film’s ambitious cinematic scale.
However, Ashish’s reaction remains an individual first impression rather than a collective critical verdict. Audience responses and reviews following the theatrical release will provide a broader picture of how the film is received.
Ramayana Release Date, Cast and Other Details
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. The first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
Ranbir Kapoor leads the cast as Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita and Yash portraying Ravana. The ensemble also includes Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Indira Krishnan as Kaushalya, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjiva.
With its large-scale action sequences, extensive visual effects and an ensemble cast, Ramayana is one of the most anticipated Indian theatrical releases of the year. Ashish Chanchlani’s positive first reaction has added to the excitement ahead of its arrival in cinemas.
Whether the film lives up to the expectations surrounding its scale and storytelling will become clearer once audiences get to experience it on the big screen.
