The first part of the film follows Valmiki’s Ramayana up to the Aranya Kanda. It covers major events, including the abduction of Mata Sita and the heroic sacrifice of Jatayu. However, one of the key aspects of this instalment is its detailed portrayal of Ravana’s life, offering audiences a closer look at the demon king’s origins, ambitions and rise to power.
Unlike many earlier adaptations of the Ramayana, which generally begin with Lord Ram’s story and mention Ravana primarily in the context of his strength and eventual defeat, Nitesh Tiwari has devoted considerable attention to Ravana’s complete journey. The filmmaker has followed Valmiki’s Ramayana as the foundation of the story and given Ravana a significant place alongside Lord Ram.
The film shows Ravana being born into the Asura clan. His mother, Kaikesi, and maternal grandfather, Sumali, are forced to live underground in Lanka after losing a war against the Devas. Ravana is portrayed as highly knowledgeable in the scriptures, but he wants a boon from the Devas to secure the welfare and future of his clan.
To achieve this, Ravana sets out to perform intense penance to please Lord Brahma. His austerities are depicted as so severe and powerful that the Earth itself becomes heated by their intensity. Pleased with his devotion, Brahma eventually grants him a boon that makes him invulnerable to everyone except human beings.
Following this, the film portrays Ravana establishing his rule over Lanka and expanding his dominion across the Earth. His authority extends across all three worlds, with no one appearing powerful enough to challenge his supremacy.
The first part also explores several aspects of Ravana’s family life. As he expands his empire across the Earth, he marries Mandodari. Later, he arranges the marriage of his sister, Shurpanakha, to Vidyut Jiva, viewing the alliance as a political strategy.
Through these developments, Nitesh Tiwari gives Ravana's character as much narrative importance as Lord Ram's. The film explores how Ravana rises to become an extraordinarily powerful ruler while also presenting his darker side, portraying him as evil and sinful.
The first instalment therefore establishes Ravana's strength, character and growing influence, setting the stage for the confrontation with Lord Ram in the second part. Audiences will see how Lord Ram challenges and defeats such a powerful adversary when the sequel arrives on Diwali 2028.
South Indian star Yash plays Ravana, while Ranbir Kapoor portrays Lord Ram. Their characters are central to the epic's unfolding conflict, which will reach its decisive stage in the second instalment.
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