'Ramayana: Part 1': Why lavish take on the Hindu epic is a mixed bag

Tales of the battle between good and evil never get old, and in the case of the Ramayana, it is as old as it gets, and still quite resonant in Indian socio-politics. The characters are well-etched in the nation’s psyche, the turning points are all too familiar and the lessons learned ample.Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana: Part 1 is well too aware of what’s at stake while tackling a Hindu epic that inspires devotion as well as religious fervour. In scale and spectacle, too, there’s no stone unturned, for the film is as imposing as it gets.There’s elaborate special effects which, for example, lend to a very compelling Jatayu and a grand pushpaka vimana, flying elephant and other creatures, and even a spellbinding tornado. But then, there’s also a Kumbhakarna that’s not as much. Still, this by no means is half-baked work that leaves audiences nitpicking at the quality of VFX imagery.Instead, one is offered a visual palette that at regular intervals keeps viewers invested in a narrative whose end is all known. The action sequences are particularly impressionable, giving the two leads—Ram (Ranbir Kapoor) and Ravan (Yash)—plenty of screen-time to showcase their characters’ stealth, muscle and even moral compass. Ramayana is a huge technological leap for director and co-writer Nitesh Tiwari, otherwise known for more grounded outings exploring relationships (Dangal, Chhichhore). It is surprising then that Tiwari and screenwriter Shridhar Raghavan fall short on fleshing out the interesting relationship dynamics, of which there are umpteen to look into. So didactic and tepid is their treatment that only a handful of characters get an outline to make an impression.It’s almost as if they are too cautious with the material lest they offend. Ram-Sita’s first encounter, the Pinaka challenge and subsequent union, largely set against songs, fail to uplift the tempo.The rare occasion they do take a few liberties, as with a loquacious Laxman (Ravi Dubey), the film briefly perks up as one’s reminded that these are mortals, albeit talented, and in some cases chosen by god. For the most part, this is an adaptation too busy ticking off events rather than offering a dive into the complexities at play.That’s a pity as there was plenty of scope, especially in the crucial scene wherein Ram is summoned and told to give up the throne of Ayodhya and live in exile for 14 years. Here, while Sita (Sai Pallavi) declares that he is duty bound to take her along on what will be an uncertain and arduous life, the fate of Urmila, Laxman’s wife, is conveniently forgotten. The inability to tap into these possibilities and instead just roll out one battle after another, robs the film of poignancy and emotional drama.Ramayana, much like Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, finds itself in a similar predicament. At its centre is a dynamic antagonist whose ambition and single-minded dedication to it leaves one fascinated, even a tad in awe of Ravan. It helps that Yash, a co-producer on it, relishes the opportunity and seizes the moment. He’s dancing the Shiv tandava; he’s roaring; he’s showing off his immortal being and operating in one-man army mode.It’s with Ravan that the writers are able to delve deeper into how and why he becomes who he does, and do so without simply vilifying him. The marginalisation of his people, quest for justice and revenge and restoration of pride ultimately make him Ravana. There’s even a clever scene showcasing the many voices in his head and motivations. It is one of the rare defined arcs through the course of three hours.Ravan is so active that when Ram comes on screen, the sudden thairaav seems jarring. Ranbir Kapoor brings a measured pace and serenity to Ram, but there also seems a certain stiffness to the act. It’s almost as if he is too aware to not hit one wrong note since he is embodying a character worshipped by millions. It’s only when Ram is shooting arrows with precision and leaping off trees that he gets to loosen up a bit and appear captivating.Of course, one can argue that Ram will be more active in the subsequent part, given he has a daunting journey to Lanka to get Sita back and a duel with Ravana and his formidable army and allies. But in terms of laying the foundation, Ramayana: Part 1 feels like it’s going through the motions of a to-do list rather than offering a refreshing take. Heavily reliant on visuals to do its bidding, the emotional impact goes amiss.Thankfully, the makers do reveal Ram’s internal strife as he announces a ‘Main Vaapas Laaunga’ mission. It’s not a cliff-hanger, yet certainly makes one eager to see the contest between the mortal and the immortal.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends