Ramayana First Glimpse Review: Ranbir Kapoor impresses but scale takes over some substance

The wait for Ramayana Part 1’s first glimpse has been nothing short of intense, and for a moment, it did feel like the noise around it had softened slightly, thanks to the continued box office storm of Dhurandhar The Revenge. However, with the Rama glimpse now dropping across multiple countries, the conversation has quickly found its momentum again, and rightly so.

The glimpse is finally here, and it offers a generous look at Ranbir Kapoor in what is clearly a mammoth visual undertaking. It opens with what appears to be a large scale action sequence before moving into a series of striking visuals that showcase Kapoor as Lord Rama in different phases, from his regal presence in Ayodhya to moments from his Vanvaas alongside Lakshman, played by Ravie Dubey, and Sita, portrayed by Sai Pallavi.

Grandeur That Announces Itself Loudly

The glimpse promises scale and for the most part, it delivers exactly that. The film leans heavily into its VFX driven world, presenting a canvas filled with towering sets, rich colours, and an unmistakable sense of ambition. There is a clear attempt to mount something that feels larger than life, and in several moments, that intention translates effectively on screen. The storytelling hints at multiple threads coming together, suggesting a narrative that aims to operate on a truly expansive level.

Ranbir Kapoor As Rama And The Visual Trade Off

Kapoor, purely in terms of presence, fits the part convincingly. He carries the look and aura expected of Lord Rama, and there are frames where his screen presence does the heavy lifting.

But there are moments even Ranbir Kapoor feels a little too off. At the same time, the reliance on visual effects becomes hard to ignore. Certain portions feel overly fabricated, and the usual gaps that accompany VFX heavy films do make their presence felt, slightly distancing the viewer from the immersion.

Music, Momentum And That Ravana Tease

There is undeniable ambition here, almost a desire to go all out, and while much of it works, there are stretches that feel underwhelming. The musical scale brought in by Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, which ideally should have been a standout strength, begins to feel a bit repetitive as the glimpse progresses. That said, the closing moments shift the energy entirely, especially with a tease of Ravana and the majestic depiction of Lanka, which lands exactly the way it should.

One aspect that does deserve credit is the apparent effort to retain the authenticity of the source material, which quietly anchors the spectacle.