7 moments that make Ramayana a visual spectacle

There are stories that you grow up listening to, stories where characters and incidents are so familiar that you know what is coming next. The Ramayan is one such epic. We know Lord Rama's journey, Sita's abduction, Lakshman's loyalty and Ravana's end. There are no spoilers here. Yet, Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Rise of Legend, which was released on November 5, manages to find moments that make you look at this familiar story with fresh eyes.Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, the film has been made on reported budget of Rs 4,000 crore. The VFX, elaborate sets and action sequences are among its biggest attractions. But what makes the film interesting is that it doesn't rely on spectacle alone. There are smaller details, unexpected character choices and emotional moments that deserve audience attention.Here are some of the moments that make this retelling of the epic memorable.1. Ravana's introduction and the story behind his ten heads One of the most interesting choices is the decision to spend time establishing Ravana's past before bringing him face to face with Lord Rama. And, for that you have to wait for Part 2. We see his journey, his ambitions and the circumstances that shape him into the powerful ruler of Lanka. This gives the character a backstory rather than introducing him simply as the villain of the story.Yash makes the most of this opportunity. His introduction, followed by the Tandav sequence, is one of the film's striking moments. But it is the idea of Ravana's ten heads that makes things more interesting. The film gives them a personality of their own, almost like ten different voices within him. It is an unexpected way of looking at a character whose ten heads have been depicted in several ways over the years. 2. When VFX becomes part of the storytellingThere is no denying that the visual effects are a major talking point. But some sequences stand out because they bring the scale of the Ramayana to life rather than simply looking extravagant.Ranbir's Lord Rama's battle with Khar-Dushan (demon brothers and Ravana's relatives) is one such sequence. The action, the creatures and the sheer scale of the confrontation make it a theatrical moment. The visualisation of Ravana's confrontation with Lord Indra and Indra's visit to Vaikunth Lok also deserve a special mention.Then comes the Jatayu (voiced by Anupam Kher) sequence. The mighty bird's attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana's Pushpak Vimana is among the most visually striking portions of the film. The aerial battle, the flying vehicle and the way the sequence unfolds make it one of the moments that stay with you.3. Sita is not just a damsel in distressActor Sai Pallavi brings grace to Sita, but there is more to her portrayal than the familiar image of a woman waiting to be rescued. One of the welcome aspects of the film is that it allows Sita to display her strength in action sequences as well. Her moments fighting the demons along with Rama and Lakshman are quite interesting. They offer a glimpse of her courage and ability to stand her ground. It is a small but significant addition to a character who is often discussed only in the context of her abduction and her relationship with Rama. The film explores how Sita also knew about farming and healing.We don't see a wailing Sita when she is abducted by Ravana, which is a welcome change. She is calm and composed and even tells the Lanka king that this is the beginning of his end as his Rama will come to rescue her.4. Lakshman is the younger brother we can all relate toRavie Dubey's Lakshman brings warmth and energy to the film. His character is fiercely protective of Lord Rama, but he is also the younger brother who can tease him and speak his mind.There are little moments, especially when Rishi Vishwamitra talks about Sita and her swayamvar, when Lakshman's expressions and reactions bring a smile. His one-liners also provide some lighter moments.But the character is not all fun and humour. His anger when Kaikeyi sends Rama into exile and his unwavering loyalty to his elder brother bring out the other side of Lakshman. The Lakshman Rekha sequence, particularly his exchange with Sita after Maricha calls out Lord Rama's name, is another moment worth watching. Ravie manages to convey Lakshmana's conviction without making the scene unnecessarily dramatic.Read Ramayana: Rise of a Legend Review here5. The emotional side of Rama's exileWe have seen Rama's exile depicted several times, but there is something particularly interesting about watching the character deal with the sudden turn in his life. The moment is not just about a prince giving up his kingdom. It is also about a son accepting his father's promise and a man having to leave behind the life he knows.Ranbir's restrained performance works well in these portions. His Rama does not need to be constantly dramatic to communicate what he is feeling. The emotional vulnerability of a character who is worshipped as a deity is an important aspect of this retelling.6. The little details that make the familiar story engagingSometimes, it is not the big action sequence that stays with you but a small expression or an unexpected reaction. The film has several such moments.Kaikeyi's realisation of the consequences of her decision, for instance, adds an emotional layer to a character who is often remembered only for sending Rama into exile. Similarly, the way Lakshmana reacts to situations around his elder brother gives the familiar story a more personal touch.Even the interactions between Rama and Sita help make their relationship feel more lived-in. These moments are important because an epic of this scale needs more than grand battles and elaborate visual effects to hold the audience's attention.One aspect that is explored quite subtly is Rama's promise to King Janaka (Rajiv Kumar) that Sita will remain his one and only wife. As he makes this promise, the camera quietly pans to Kaushalya, suggesting that his decision was influenced by the suffering his mother endured because his father had multiple wives.7. The surprise that makes you look forward to the next chapterThe makers know how to leave audiences with something to look forward to. Ramyana: Rise of a Legend is a part of a two-part adaptation, and the events leading up to the conflict with Lanka set the stage for what is to come. The appearance of Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman in the post-credit sequence is one such surprise. It is a brief glimpse, but it has already got fans excited. Ramayana Part 2 is most likely to begin with Kishkindha Kand where Lord Rama meets Lord Hanuman and Sugriva.Ramyana Part 2 is scheduled to release on Diwali 2028.- Ends