Filmmaker Atlee has shared his reaction to Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana," the epic adaptation that opened in theatres on November 5, 2026. The director's response has drawn wide attention, coming on the film's release day and adding to the conversation around one of the year's most anticipated Hindi-language titles.

The Hindi-language fantasy action adventure, which runs 208 minutes, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Prince Ram, Parshuram and Lord Vishnu, with Yash appearing as Ravana. Sai Pallavi plays Sita, while Ravi Dubey takes on the role of Lakshman. The ensemble also features Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Indira Krishnan as Kaushalya.

The film's story turns on an ancient epic centered on a young prince and princess whose marriage and the exile that follows set them on a legendary journey. Their tale of love, duty and destiny lays the groundwork for larger trials to come. The film has landed a rating of 7 out of 10 on TMDb.

A Director's Word

Atlee's remarks arrived as audiences across the country began filing into theatres for the first shows. His view carries weight in the industry given his standing as a filmmaker, and it joins a wave of early reactions from those who caught the film on day one.

It is worth noting that the film is a Hindi-language production, and its release has sparked discussion well beyond that market. The scale of the casting - pairing a star like Ranbir Kapoor with Yash and Sai Pallavi - has kept the project in the headlines since it was announced.

Release and Running Time

At 208 minutes, "Ramayana" asks a substantial time commitment of its viewers, a running time that places it among the longer mainstream films to arrive in theatres this year. Distributors have scheduled screenings accordingly, and early audiences have been weighing in throughout the day.

The film's director, Nitesh Tiwari, is known for his work across varied material, and this project represents a major shift into large-scale mythic storytelling. With the picture now in cinemas, attention turns to how it will hold up with viewers over the coming weeks.

Cast and Characters

The casting has been a talking point in its own right. Ranbir Kapoor anchors the film in a role that encompasses multiple identities, while Yash steps into the role of Ravana. Sai Pallavi's Sita and Ravi Dubey's Lakshman round out the central trio of the narrative.

Supporting turns come from Arun Govil, whose casting as King Dashrath drew notice when it was first revealed, along with Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta and Indira Krishnan. The breadth of the cast reflects the scale of the epic being adapted.

What to Expect

"Ramayana" arrives with a 7 out of 10 rating on TMDb, a middling score for a release of this size. The figure reflects early viewer responses and may shift as more viewers see the film in the days ahead.

With a runtime of nearly three and a half hours, the film gives broad space to its source material, and the response from audiences will determine how it fares through its theatrical run. For now, the opening-day conversation - including Atlee's reaction - has placed the film firmly at the centre of the entertainment news cycle.

The film is playing in theatres nationwide. Audiences are expected to turn out through the weekend as word of mouth builds around the release.

Source: Filmibeat Telugu