'Ramayana', which is being said to be India's most expensive film, has been released in theaters across the world.
This grand story of Ramayana has been made in two parts. It is being said to be one of the most expensive films in Indian film history.
Expectations from the film are huge, but it has received mixed reviews in initial reviews.
'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend', directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is the first part of a two-film series. Some big names of Bollywood are involved in this big project.
Hollywood visual effects experts have worked in the film. The responsibility of its music has been handled by two Oscar winning composers.
The aim of this film is to bring one of India's most respected stories to audiences around the world.
The story of Ramayana, one of the major epics of Hinduism, has been told for centuries and in many countries.
Its reflection is found in poetry, temple sculptures, puppetry and folk theatre. This story has been told from generation to generation.
Ramayana has seen the ups and downs of many dynasties and empires. It has also inspired religious faith and political movements.
From time to time, TV and cinema have also presented this story in a new form.
Nitesh Tiwari's film again brings to the fore the familiar story of love, duty, exile and war.
There are gods and demons in the world of this film. There are divine weapons and also powerful empires.
Ranbir Kapoor has played the role of Lord Ram, the ideal prince of Ayodhya.
He is sent into exile from his kingdom for 14 years. He goes to the forest with his wife Sita.
The role of Sita is played by Sai Pallavi. Ravana kidnaps them.
The great war between Ram and Ravana will be shown in the second part of the film. There are plans to release it next year.
The film's producer Namit Malhotra is the head of visual effects company DNEG.
DNEG has worked on big Hollywood films like 'Dune' and 'Interstellar'.
The music of the film has been composed jointly by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
AR Rahman has won Oscar for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
At the same time, Hans Zimmer has given music for films like 'Gladiator', 'The Dark Knight' and 'Dune'. His music has created a special identity for modern Hollywood.
The film has been released a few days before Diwali.
Diwali is the festival of lights. It is also the celebration of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after his exile.
But so far the response to the film has been mixed.
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave the film three out of five stars. He says that the visual spectacle of the film sometimes overshadows the story.
Rishabh Suri of 'Hindustan Times' seemed more excited about the film. He gave it four stars. He praised the acting and visual effects of the actors.
Shubhra Gupta of 'Indian Express' gave three stars to the film. He called it a "fantastic epic".
At the international level too, different reactions emerged regarding the film. Peter Bradshaw in 'The Guardian' called it a "hugely engaging, passionate and brilliant Indian epic melodrama".
Siddhant Adlakha of IGN gave the film a score of four out of 10. He described the action sequences as bad.
Giovanni Lago of 'Next Best Picture' gave the film five out of 10. He praised Yash's powerful presence as Ravana.
The use of AI to change the actors' lip movements in the English version was also criticized.
In India, this film is also being compared with the old productions of Ramayana. Especially from Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayana'.
About four decades ago, this TV series had taken the entire country under its influence. When the series first aired in 1987, there was an almost devotional silence in India on Sunday mornings.
Now Arun Govil has also been seen in Nitesh Tiwari's film. He has played the role of Ram's father Dasharatha.
The actors playing these characters in the new film felt the pressure of this responsibility deeply. Ranbir Kapoor said, "I was full of fear."
Sai Pallavi, who played the role of Sita, said that the experience was not only artistic but also spiritual.
It will soon become clear how much the audience likes this film. Whatever the outcome, this film is a big cultural moment for India.
