MUMBAI, Nov 13: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor’s latest cinematic venture, Ramayana: Part One, continues to register an impressive performance at the box office, moving closer to the Rs 700 crore milestone in India after completing nine days in theatres. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and backed by producer Namit Malhotra, the mythological drama has emerged as one of the biggest theatrical attractions of the year, attracting considerable attention from audiences and the film industry.
According to box-office estimates reported by Sacnilk and published by The Economic Times on Friday, the film has accumulated approximately Rs 676.12 crore in gross domestic collections, while its net earnings have reached Rs 565.51 crore. The figures place the production within striking distance of another major commercial milestone as its theatrical journey continues.
The film’s performance has generated considerable interest because of its scale, extensive visual effects and the involvement of several prominent actors. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita. The ensemble also includes Yash, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil and Lara Dutta in important roles.
The project has attracted attention well beyond the traditional Bollywood audience, particularly because the Ramayana is among India’s most widely recognised epic narratives. Its adaptation for a large cinematic production has brought renewed discussion about the presentation of mythology, the responsibilities of filmmakers and the expectations of viewers familiar with different versions of the ancient story.
The commercial performance has also been supported by considerable curiosity surrounding the film’s visual presentation. The production has invested heavily in creating elaborate settings, large scale sequences and digital effects intended to bring the epic’s characters and locations to the big screen.
One of the notable developments in its theatrical journey has been its performance in Kerala. Reports cited by The Economic Times indicate that the film became the first Bollywood production to cross Rs 20 crore in gross collections in the state, moving ahead of the previous benchmark associated with Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge.
The achievement is significant because Kerala has traditionally maintained a strong regional film culture, with Malayalam cinema enjoying a substantial audience base. The performance of a Hindi language mythological production in the market reflects the interest it has generated beyond its primary linguistic audience.
However, the film’s success has also been accompanied by discussions and disagreements regarding its creative interpretation. While several prominent personalities from the entertainment industry have appreciated the production, some established actors have expressed reservations about particular aspects of its storytelling.
Among the critics is Mukesh Khanna, widely recognised for his portrayal of Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah in television productions. In a video commentary, Khanna questioned whether the film’s scale and visual effects should become the central focus of discussions surrounding the epic.
He also raised objections to the portrayal of Sita, particularly the depiction of the character in action-oriented sequences. Khanna argued that the filmmakers should remain mindful of the traditional understanding of the character and expressed disagreement with certain creative decisions involving her representation.
His comments have contributed to a wider conversation about the interpretation of mythological figures in contemporary cinema. The discussion highlights the challenges facing filmmakers who attempt to adapt culturally significant stories for modern audiences while balancing creative freedom with the expectations of viewers.
Nitish Bharadwaj, who became widely known for playing Lord Krishna in BR Chopra’s television adaptation of the Mahabharata, has also expressed criticism. He described the film as a commercialised interpretation and questioned certain departures from the original narrative.
Bharadwaj emphasised the importance of Valmiki’s Ramayana as the original literary source, while acknowledging that other versions have developed through different regional and cultural traditions. He also praised Arun Govil’s portrayal of King Dasharatha, identifying it as one of the film’s positive elements.
These reactions demonstrate how adaptations of traditional epics can generate different responses among audiences, scholars and performers. For filmmakers, the challenge lies in creating a cinematic experience that remains accessible to contemporary viewers without losing the emotional and cultural significance of the source material.
Despite the criticism, the film has continued to receive appreciation from several prominent figures in the industry. Filmmakers and actors have praised its ambition, technical presentation and the scale of the production.
The project has also attracted attention because of its international ambitions. Its makers have reportedly submitted the production for consideration in the visual effects category at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2027.
According to reports cited by The Economic Times, the submission is separate from India’s official selection for the International Feature Film category. The distinction is important because individual productions can pursue consideration in other Oscar categories independently of the country’s official entry.
The film’s technical achievements are likely to remain an important part of discussions about its international prospects. Large-scale mythological productions require extensive coordination between production designers, visual-effects teams, cinematographers, costume departments and performers.
For the Indian film industry, the success of such projects could also influence future investment decisions involving stories rooted in the country’s cultural and literary heritage. Producers increasingly see opportunities to develop productions that appeal to domestic viewers while also attracting international audiences.
Another factor contributing to the film’s continuing popularity is the anticipation surrounding its second instalment. The makers have already indicated that work on the follow-up production is progressing, with cinematographer Pankaj Kumar previously revealing that a substantial portion of the sequel had been completed.
The second chapter is expected to expand the story and introduce further developments from the epic. Its visual scale and production requirements are also expected to be considerable, particularly as the filmmakers continue developing the larger cinematic universe.
Producer Namit Malhotra has previously discussed the commercial expectations surrounding the project, indicating that the performance of the first instalment will be important for the franchise’s future. The producers are therefore closely watching audience response and theatrical earnings.
The box-office figures will remain a significant measure of the production’s commercial performance, although its long-term impact will also depend on audience reception, repeat viewership and the eventual performance of the follow-up film.
For Ranbir Kapoor, the project represents another major opportunity to lead a large-scale production based on an iconic Indian story. His portrayal of Lord Ram has attracted considerable public attention, with viewers discussing his performance, physical transformation and preparation for the role.
Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita has also generated interest, particularly because the character occupies a central position in the narrative and carries considerable cultural significance.
Meanwhile, Yash’s involvement has added another major attraction to the ensemble. The actor, who enjoys a substantial following following his success in large-scale action films, is among the prominent performers associated with the production.
The film’s continuing commercial run suggests that mythological storytelling remains an important area of interest for Indian cinema. However, its reception also demonstrates that productions based on revered literary works face expectations that extend beyond ordinary entertainment.
As Ramayana: Part One approaches the Rs 700-crore domestic gross mark, the industry will be watching its subsequent collections and the audience response to the creative choices made by the filmmakers. Its performance could provide important indications about the commercial potential of ambitious Indian mythological productions in the coming years.