Ramayana: Part 1 is officially in theatres worldwide, and Bollywood is already buzzing with high-profile industry verdicts. Leading Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram on release morning to share a heartfelt, extensive review of the epic mythological spectacle.
Calling the film a triumph of storytelling, Karan’s note represents one of the earliest and most passionate reactions from inside the film fraternity. From breaking down Ranbir Kapoor’s subtle character choices to praising Yash’s electrifying aura, Johar delivered high praise for everyone who brought the grand vision to life.
What Karan Johar Said About Ramayana
Karan began his note by reflecting on the cultural gravitas that the epic holds for millions of Indian households across generations:
“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….”
Describing his awe upon seeing the ancient Sanskrit epic translated onto modern IMAX screens, he added:
“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!!!!”
He specifically credited producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari by name. Karan noted that Namit inspired him “to be brave, to be audacious and to stand for the most essential ingredient of a creator…. CONVICTION!!” He also praised Nitesh Tiwari’s “immaculate craft and solid confidence to tell a simple story so simply and yet soo solidly.”
Karan Johar on Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
The bulk of Karan’s emotional note was reserved for his frequent collaborator and close friend Ranbir Kapoor, who steps into the monumental role of Lord Ram.
“Ranbir… to be able to make a country believe in you as a divine force of goodness and humanity without any bells and whistles … without and frills and fancies takes immeasurable talent and you my dearest friend are a gifted artist and beyond…. you are deeply MEDITATIVE in your portrayal or Shri Ram… your eyes do alll the heavy lifting… its your most challenging role ever and you have mega succeeded with divine PERFECTION….”
Put simply, Karan believes Ranbir interprets Lord Ram through a calm, internal, and meditative restraint rather than melodramatic excess—making the divinity feel deeply human and emotionally grounded.
Karan Johar on Sai Pallavi as Sita
Karan was equally enamoured with Sai Pallavi, who makes her major Hindi cinema debut as Goddess Sita:
“Sai… you are divine, sublime and so so beautifully convincing in your portrayal of Sita Ma… @saipallavi.senthamarai …. The agency of the portrayal is so heartening and you made me believe in the power of your sacrifice and unconditional love … so brilliant!”
Karan Johar on Yash as Ravana
Kannada superstar Yash commands the screen as the formidable Lankesh, Ravana. Karan lauded his magnetic persona:
“AND @thenameisyash you are so so MESMERISING and POWERFULL!!! Each and every time you appear on screen, you command attention and applause…. Mega stardom is just in your DNA!!!!”
He also highlighted a standout sequence in the film: “Special mention to the applaudable sequence of Ravana and his multiple inner voices …. Outstanding!”
Karan Johar on Ravie Dubey as Laxman
Television and OTT stalwart Ravie Dubey, who plays Lakshman, also earned high praise from the filmmaker. Johar wrote:
“Ravi Dubey @ravidubey2312 is so BRILLIANT as LAXMAN! The depiction of a loyal and loving brother is so heartening and your goodness ( both internal and external ) moved me and made me smile wide….”
Karan’s Direct Message to the Audience
Summarizing his overwhelming emotional experience, Karan concluded his note with an impassioned call to cinema lovers:
“To every actor ( terrific ensemble) … to every technician… to each and every team member of this EPIC!!! Huge congratulations !!!! Am an inspired filmmaker and a proud Indian cinegoer today… GO WATCH this divine blessing of a film with your families as soon as you can”
Karan Johar’s Business Link to Ramayana
Beyond his creative admiration, Karan Johar also holds a substantial commercial stake in the project. His studio, Dharma Productions, is distributing Ramayana: Part 1 across the Hindi-speaking theatrical territory in India, while Sony Pictures handles global and overseas release networks.
Earlier on November 1, Johar had posted a cryptic teaser note on his Instagram Story after an early private cut: “Mind is blown! Won’t say anymore! All I will say is that it’s going to be a very, very exceptionally HAPPY DIWALI.” This full post marks his complete public endorsement now that ticket gates are open.
What Early Viewers Said Before Release
While Karan’s review is effusively positive, reactions from an earlier private screening in Los Angeles presented a more nuanced picture. While critics in Hollywood hailed the visual scale, VFX fidelity, and Hans Zimmer’s evocative background score, a few observers felt certain narrative transitions felt measured.
Now that the film has rolled out across thousands of screens in India with historic advance booking numbers exceeding ₹73 crore, regular ticket-paying audiences will deliver the final verdict.
About Ramayana: Part 1 & Future Sequels
Here are the verified production and creative details for Ramayana: Part 1:
Final Word
For a cinematic event as colossal as Ramayana, early industry reactions set the tone for opening weekend momentum. Karan Johar’s passionate endorsement cements the epic as one of the defining cinematic occasions of 2026.
Stay tuned to Buzz Originals for ongoing box office tracking, live audience reactions, and in-depth scene breakdowns of Ramayana: Part 1.
