‘Ramayana’, the grand VFX-loaded retelling of the Hindu mythological epic, arrived in theatres across the country yesterday, drawing largely positive reactions from moviegoers who praised its visual spectacle and performances, particularly those of Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.

The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is the first instalment of a two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient epic. It features Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.

The movie is being screened across 11,621 shows in the country on its opening day, reflecting the wide theatrical release of the big-budget production, PTI and ANI reports said, while dwelling on various aspects of the film’s release.

The film features music by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer, with visual effects by Oscar-winning company DNEG.

It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of ‘Dangal’ and ‘Chhichhore’ fame and produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash.

‘Ramayana: Part One’ released worldwide in cinemas today in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English.

Ranbir, Yash Corner Viewers’ Praise: “I think it is the best Indian movie ever made. I think Ranbir Kapoor is outstanding. Yeah, he is very good,” a viewer said.

The cinemagoer went on to praise Kapoor’s performance, suggesting that the actor was moving closer to becoming one of India’s greatest performers.

Speaking about the theatrical experience, the viewer added, “I have watched it here today, and I will watch it in IMAX as well. It is definitely watchable multiple times.”

Another audience member described the film as majestic and appreciated the creative decisions made by the filmmakers.

“Wonderful… majestic… it was too good… every actor did a wonderful job… the creative choices they have made were brilliant… and I would really appreciate that people go and watch this film…,” the viewer said.

The viewer also acknowledged the work of the production team, adding, “Thank you so much, Namit Malhotra… you have outdone yourself… I am so grateful that I got to watch the first day show… Ramayana is shown as it should have been shown.”

Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram had drawn considerable attention ahead of the film’s release. Following the opening-day screenings, his performance has become one of the most frequently discussed aspects of the film among early viewers.

One viewer, while discussing Kapoor’s performance, said, “And I feel that in the entire Bollywood, or even in the South Industry, there is no other actor who can portray Lord Ram. At least in that facial expression or that look. That innocence is on his face.”

Yash’s portrayal of Ravana has also attracted considerable appreciation. The actor, making his Hindi cinema debut with the film, has been praised for bringing menace and intensity to the antagonist.

One viewer said, “Yash was shown as dangerous as KGF.”

Another audience member praised the scale of Ravana’s appearance and the action sequences, saying, “I felt very good. He was shown very massively. He was shown very well. So it feels good to see him on screen. And in his action sequences, Yash has done a very good job.”

The film also features Sai Pallavi as Sita and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Early audience reactions have acknowledged the performances across the ensemble cast.

The visual effects and large-scale action sequences are among the film’s most appreciated elements in the initial reactions.

Backed by DNEG, the eight-time Academy Award-winning visual effects and production studio, the film aims to bring the epic’s world to the big screen with elaborate visual detailing and cinematic spectacle.

The Jatayu battle sequence has particularly impressed early viewers, with its scale and theatrical presentation emerging as major highlights.

One cinemagoer who praised the film’s technical aspects said, “The new ‘Ramayana’ has the advantage of visual effects. You will get all the details.”

Another viewer highlighted the attention to detail in the film’s visual presentation, saying, “Everything has been worked on very finely. You can actually notice the details in every corner. It is a film made with a lot of hard work.”

Alia Proud of Hubby: Actor Alia Bhatt praised husband Ranbir for his work in ‘Ramayana: Part 1’, saying she was proud of him and everyone who put their heart and soul into the film.

Alia shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, accompanied by two pictures of Ranbir with their daughter, Raha Kapoor, on the film’s sets.

“You poured everything into this one and somehow still had all of it left for her. So proud of you Ranbir and of every single person who brought their heart and soul to this incredible experience at the movies,” she wrote.

KJo Calls Film Divine Blessing: Filmmaker Karan Johar has effusively praised the film, calling the cinematic adaptation of the epic “nothing short of a miracle”.

In a lengthy review of the film on Instagram, Johar said the film left him deeply impressed and congratulated producer Namit Malhotra, director Tiwari and the entire cast and crew for bringing the story to the screen in a grand manner.

“RAMAYANA ….. a story immersed in our cultural veins… a story generations have grown up on… a story that is an embodiment of Values, traditions and pure humanity…

“You have read it, seen it, told it… and YET to be BLOWN away by its cinematic adaptation is no short of a Miracle! I salute, I applaud and I have the deepest respect for each and every team member of Ramayana…. All of us can dream it… they actually went out and achieved it!!!!,” Karan exulted.

PVR INOX Upgrades 150 Screens: PVR INOX upgraded 150 cinema screens with advanced 3D technology ahead of the release of ‘Ramayana’. The upgrade aims to improve the 3D movie-watching experience and make the format available to audiences at more cinema locations.

The company has added next-generation 3D technology across 150 screens in 107 cinema properties. With these additions, PVR INOX now has a total of 1,087 3D-enabled screens across India.

The upgrades cover five regions. South India has received 57 additional screens, followed by North India with 46, West India with 22, Central India with 13 and East India with 12 screens.

The upgraded screens will offer audiences more options to watch ‘Ramayana’ in 3D. The film is also scheduled to release in IMAX format.