Plot:
Rama (played by Prabhas) and Sita (Kriti Sanon) face the biggest crisis of their life when the latter is abducted by Lanka's demon king Ravana (played by Saif Ali Khan). It takes Rama's divine mission and Hanuman's (Devdatta Nage) indomitable strength to save Sita from the clutches of Evil. As vice and self-obsession threaten Sita, divinity and courage come to the fore to rescue her.
Performances:
Given that Prabhas has been imagined in a majestic role by SS Rajamouli in the 'Baahubali' movies, director Om Raut's task was not easy. Lord Rama is perceived in multiple ways by his devotees. For some, he is a warrior. For others, he is a personification of compassion first and foremost. Prabhas embraces the film's interpretation of both shades. He looks angry in many portions. At the same time, he appears tender in the initial portions. The superstar in Prabhas lets the character do the talking.
Kriti Sanon delivers the second-best performance but that is no compliment in a film replete with pretty average performances. Saif Ali Khan may not be terrible, but he is not engaging either. His character recycles some of the known tropes associated with villains in Bollywood movies. After a point, the actor becomes generic and doesn't appear to be playing Ravana but some regular antagonist. The actors who have played Lakshmana (Sunny Singh) and Hanuman (Devdatta Nage) are barely good.
Technical Departments:
The BGM by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara is a mixed bag. It amazes when the good characters are around. The score, however, becomes cliched when the bad guys are around. The inspiration from Hollywood superhero movies is a tad obvious in the second half. The battle scenes are dragged down by a rather tedious score.
The Ajay-Atul duo's songs are award-worthy. Only 'Ram Sita Ram' has been scored by the Sachet–Parampara duo. The cinematography is unimaginative. Perhaps, the live-action choice did limit the cinematographer's options.
The VFX is debatable. The portrayal of Lanka as a dark place with a den-like feel is something people are going to contest.
Merits:
The overall feel of the movie is a net positive. In the era of violent web series, a film based on the Ramayana was needed.
Prabhas' screen presence.
The BGM in some scenes.
The nostalgia ride.
Kids can potentially find some scenes extremely likable, especially the interpretation of Vanaras and other side players.
Demerits:
Lack of imagination in the ultimate war sequence.
Saif Ali Khan's Ravana is shown as a regular villain.
Vox Verdict:
This film lacks the Rajamouli-ness we tend to associate with spectacle movies. However, the film's larger-than-life staging and divine storytelling are positives.
Rating: 3 \ 5
