Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana is set to debut in cinemas globally this Thursday, November 5. As the release date approaches, the film’s lead actor, Ranbir Kapoor, and co-producer Namit Malhotra have publicly addressed the months of intense scrutiny, memes, and online trolling that have surrounded the project since its initial teaser was unveiled earlier this year.
During a recent interaction with students at an IIMUN gathering, Kapoor, who portrays Lord Rama, shared his perspective on how to handle the wave of online reactions. Reflecting on the philosophy of ignoring external noise, the actor quoted the classic line, “Kuchh to log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna” (People will always say something, it is their job to talk). He emphasized that one should not allow online chatter to affect their peace of mind, suggesting that the opinions that truly matter are those of the people who care about an individual's work, intentions, and kindness. This sentiment was echoed by director Nitesh Tiwari, who remarked that if an effort is made with total sincerity and a clear conscience, no other validation is required.
The film’s co-producer, Namit Malhotra, has also weighed in on the digital discourse. Rather than feeling discouraged by the persistent social media criticism, Malhotra stated that he has chosen to find humor in the situation. He noted that the nature of the internet often involves people seeking entertainment at the expense of others, and he prefers to take it in stride. Drawing a connection to the source material, he mentioned that the journey of Lord Rama teaches the importance of accepting both the good and the bad with equal ease, reflecting the unpredictability of life and destiny.
Following its recent world premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, the film has faced a polarized reception from global critics. While the embargo on reviews has been lifted, the feedback remains mixed. Some publications, such as IndieWire, have lauded the production for its grand visual spectacle and ambitious storytelling. The review highlighted the film’s elaborate sequences, comparing its diverse elements—ranging from Shakespearean feuds to mythological flying machines—to a high-stakes cinematic event. The collaboration between composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman was also praised for adding musical majesty to the narrative.
Conversely, other reviews have offered a more critical assessment of the film's character development and execution. IGN pointed out concerns regarding the depth of the central protagonists, suggesting that while Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi were graceful in their roles, there was limited human complexity underneath their characterizations. The critique further remarked that some action sequences and attempts at humor lacked the necessary emotional or physical weight, occasionally creating an awkward atmosphere.
Screen Rant provided a balanced view, acknowledging that both Kapoor and Pallavi displayed charm and excelled during high-intensity, action-packed moments. However, the publication expressed the opinion that the characters could have been afforded more depth, as they often felt firmly rooted in their mythological archetypes rather than being explored as fully realized human beings. As the film prepares for its worldwide theatrical rollout, the makers remain focused on their core intent behind the project.
This production marks a significant milestone for the creative team, with Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus leading the technical backing. By embracing both the praise and the criticism, the team appears to be preparing for the public’s response when the film finally reaches a wider audience this coming Thursday. Whether the audience will favor the spectacle or find the same narrative challenges noted by early reviewers remains to be seen once the film officially hits the big screen.
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