Ramayana: Bollywood's Costliest Film Ever Splits Critics
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, the epic retelling of a beloved Hindu classic is making waves globally, including in Mauritius.
A new Bollywood film titled Ramayana is breaking records before it has even finished its theatrical run. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, best known internationally for Dangal, and produced by Namit Malhotra, the film is officially the most expensive production in the history of Indian cinema.
The cast brings together some of the biggest names in Indian film. Ranbir Kapoor plays the central role of Ram, while Sai Pallavi, a celebrated actress from south India, takes on the role of Sita. Yash, who rose to global fame with the KGF franchise, plays the antagonist Ravan. The combination of a pan-India cast and a massive budget has made this one of the most anticipated Indian releases in years.
The film's technical ambitions match its storytelling scale. Visual effects were handled by DNEG, a British-Indian company that has worked on Hollywood blockbusters including Interstellar and Dune. The score was composed jointly by AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning Indian composer known worldwide, and Hans Zimmer, the German composer behind The Lion King and Inception. That pairing alone signals how seriously the production team is targeting both Indian and global audiences.
The Ramayana is one of the two great Sanskrit epics of ancient India, alongside the Mahabharata. It tells the story of Prince Ram, his wife Sita, and his battle against the demon king Ravan, who abducts Sita and must be defeated to restore cosmic order. The story holds deep religious and cultural significance for Hindus around the world, including the large Hindu community in Mauritius, where it has been performed, recited and celebrated for generations.
The film was released ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, a traditional high point for major Bollywood releases. Diwali is a public holiday in Mauritius, and Indian cinema remains enormously popular on the island, where cinemas in Port Louis and across the country regularly screen Hindi and Tamil films to packed audiences.
Despite the spectacle, reviews have been mixed. Some critics have praised the visual grandeur and the performances, particularly Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita. Others have argued that the script leans too heavily on the epic's mythology without bringing enough dramatic depth or fresh perspective to justify the scale. The debate reflects a broader question in Indian cinema about how to adapt sacred texts for modern mass audiences without alienating either traditionalists or younger viewers.
What this means for Mauritian audiences: Mauritius has one of the highest concentrations of people of Indian origin outside India, and the Ramayana holds special cultural weight here. Schools, temples and community organisations across the island regularly stage Ramayana performances and readings. A major cinematic retelling of this scale is therefore more than entertainment for many Mauritians. It is a cultural event. Audiences in Mauritius who are curious about the film should check local listings, as major Indian releases typically reach the island within weeks of their Indian premiere.
Source: Le Defi Media
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ramayana film about and who stars in it?β
The Ramayana film is a big-budget Bollywood retelling of the ancient Hindu epic of the same name. Ranbir Kapoor plays Ram, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, and Yash plays the villain Ravan. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and is the most expensive Indian film ever made.
Why does the Ramayana matter to Mauritians?β
Mauritius has a large Hindu community of Indian origin, and the Ramayana is central to religious and cultural life on the island. It is performed in temples, taught in schools and celebrated during festivals such as Diwali, which is a national public holiday in Mauritius.
Will the Ramayana film be shown in Mauritius?β
Major Bollywood releases are regularly screened at cinemas in Mauritius, including venues in and around Port Louis. The Ramayana, given its scale and cultural significance, is expected to be available locally. Audiences should check local cinema listings for screening times.
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