Mumbai: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has shared his thoughts on Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited mythological epic Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. His review has attracted attention, particularly for his striking statement that the film is not simply a devotional movie but a “devotional force.”
Taking to social media platform X, the filmmaker praised the ambition, storytelling and cinematic vision behind the film, offering an unconventional perspective on the latest adaptation of the Indian epic.
Ram Gopal Varma’s Unusual Take On Ramayana
In his review, Ram Gopal Varma wrote:
“The #Ramayana is not a devotional film. It is a devotional force. The hero is not a blue god floating above the story. He is a man who has already seen the end of the world and still willfully chooses to walk into it.”
His comments reflect his interpretation of the film’s approach to Lord Rama, presenting the character through the challenges, decisions and emotional circumstances surrounding his journey.
Varma also praised the film’s narrative ambition, suggesting that its central theme goes beyond the rise of a kingdom and explores the strength of the human mind.
Praises Nitesh Tiwari And The Film’s Grand Vision
The filmmaker had special appreciation for director Nitesh Tiwari and the entire team behind the ambitious project.
He described the production as an extraordinary cinematic effort and encouraged the makers not to be discouraged by negative reviews.
In a strongly worded message, Varma compared the film’s creators to an elephant and its critics to barking street dogs.
He wrote that the filmmakers should treat negative criticism as background noise against the enormous effort involved in creating such a large-scale cinematic experience.
His comments have added another dimension to the ongoing conversations surrounding the film.
Special Appreciation For Yash As Ravana
Ram Gopal Varma also highlighted Yash’s portrayal of Ravana, describing the actor’s screen presence and characterisation in striking terms.
According to Varma, Yash does not merely play an opposing character but embodies a personality driven by an already-decided course of action.
He particularly appreciated a confrontation sequence involving Ravana, noting the character’s controlled expressions, silence and intimidating presence.
Yash’s portrayal has also become one of the major talking points among audiences following the film’s theatrical release.
Anupam Kher’s Jatayu Performance Wins Praise
Varma also appreciated veteran actor Anupam Kher’s portrayal of Jatayu.
He singled out the sequence following Jatayu’s battle, praising the emotional intensity and determination conveyed through the character.
According to the filmmaker, the performance captures the spirit of sacrifice and the determination to continue fighting even when the body can no longer keep up.
His observations suggest that the film’s emotional moments made a strong impression on him.
Ramayana: A Major Cinematic Retelling
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend features a prominent ensemble cast.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana. Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil and Anupam Kher also appear in important roles.
The project combines Indian mythology with large-scale filmmaking, visual effects and an international production approach.
The film was released in theatres on November 5, 2026, and has generated considerable discussion among audiences and film enthusiasts.
Ram Gopal Varma’s Review Adds To The Conversation
Ram Gopal Varma’s review stands out for its emphasis on the film’s cinematic ambition rather than simply evaluating it as another mythological adaptation.
His statement, “It is not a devotional film. It is a devotional force,” has become the defining line of his review.
While audience and critic reactions to the film have varied, Varma’s comments have brought fresh attention to Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious interpretation of the Ramayana.
For a film based on one of India’s most revered epics, the discussions surrounding its storytelling, performances and cinematic treatment are likely to continue.
