The story of the Ramayana has been told for generations through books, television shows and films. In Indian cinema, two big-screen adaptations have brought this famous epic into the spotlight: Adipurush and the upcoming Ramayana directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
Adipurush, starring Prabhas, was released in 2023. The new Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
Both films tell a version of the same ancient story, but they have different casts, visual styles, music and ways of presenting the characters.
After the response to Adipurush, many viewers are curious about how the new Ramayana will present the story. Will its characters look different? Will the visuals feel more realistic? And how will the two films compare?
In this article, we will look at the Ramayana movie vs Adipurush and compare their casts, visuals, stories, music and overall approach.
Ramayana Movie vs Adipurush: Quick Comparison
| Detail | Ramayana | Adipurush |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Nitesh Tiwari | Om Raut |
| Main actor as Rama | Ranbir Kapoor | Prabhas |
| Sita | Sai Pallavi | Kriti Sanon |
| Ravana | Yash | Saif Ali Khan |
| Lakshman | Ravie Dubey | Sunny Singh |
| Hanuman | Sunny Deol | Devdatta Nage |
| Release | Planned for 2026 | Released in 2023 |
| Story source | The Ramayana | The Ramayana |
| Format | Two-part film series | Single feature film |
| Main focus | A large-scale retelling of the epic | A modern action-focused retelling |
The biggest difference is not the basic story. Both films draw from the Ramayana. The main differences are in how the filmmakers present its characters and world.
1. Ramayana vs Adipurush: Cast and Characters
The cast is one of the first things people notice when comparing these two films.
Ranbir Kapoor vs Prabhas as Lord Rama
In Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama. In Adipurush, Prabhas plays Raghav, the film's version of Rama.
Both actors have a strong screen presence, but their performances belong to two different film styles.
Ranbir Kapoor is known for films such as Barfi!, Sanju and Animal. His role as Rama gives him the chance to play a character known for kindness, patience, duty and courage.
Prabhas is known for large-scale films such as the Baahubali series and Salaar. Adipurush presented his character in a more action-focused setting, with battles and dramatic moments playing an important part.
The new Ramayana gives Ranbir Kapoor the responsibility of portraying one of the most respected figures in Indian tradition. Viewers will be interested to see how he balances Rama's strength with his calm and thoughtful nature.
Sai Pallavi vs Kriti Sanon as Sita
Sai Pallavi plays Sita in the new Ramayana, while Kriti Sanon played Janaki in Adipurush.
Sita is a central character in the epic. Her courage, dignity and strength remain important throughout the story, especially after Ravana takes her to Lanka.
Kriti Sanon brought her own screen presence to the role in Adipurush. Sai Pallavi now has the opportunity to present Sita in a new version of the story.
Both films place Sita at the heart of Rama's journey. However, the way each film develops her character depends on its screenplay, performances and direction.
Yash vs Saif Ali Khan as Ravana
Yash plays Ravana in the new Ramayana, while Saif Ali Khan played Lankesh in Adipurush.
Ravana is one of the most important characters in the epic. He is a powerful king with great knowledge and strength, but his pride and decision to abduct Sita bring him into conflict with Rama.
Yash became widely popular across India after the success of the KGF films. His strong screen presence makes his casting as Ravana a major point of interest.
Saif Ali Khan presented a different version of Ravana in Adipurush. His look and character design became topics of discussion after the film's release.
The two performances can be compared in terms of appearance, dialogue delivery and character design. However, the final impact of Yash's performance will depend on the complete film, not just its promotional footage.
Sunny Deol vs Devdatta Nage as Hanuman
Sunny Deol plays Hanuman in the new Ramayana, while Devdatta Nage played the character in Adipurush.
Hanuman is known for his devotion to Rama, great strength and courage. He plays a major role in finding Sita and helping Rama during the war against Ravana.
Sunny Deol is known for his powerful performances in films such as Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Border and Gadar 2. Many viewers will be curious to see how he portrays Hanuman.
Devdatta Nage brought his own physical style to the character in Adipurush.
The comparison is interesting because Hanuman is loved by audiences of different ages. His appearance, actions and devotion are important parts of any film based on the Ramayana.
2. Visual Effects: How Do the Two Films Look Different?
Visual effects are among the biggest talking points in the comparison between Ramayana and Adipurush.
Both films need to show a large mythological world. This includes royal cities, forests, Lanka, powerful warriors, unusual creatures and large battles. Creating these places on screen requires a mix of sets, costumes, computer graphics and other film techniques.
The visual style of Adipurush
Adipurush used computer-generated images to create much of its world. The film had large battle scenes, fantasy-style locations and digitally created characters.
However, many viewers criticised its visual effects and character designs after the film was released. Some scenes did not match the look people expected from a story as familiar as the Ramayana.
The criticism became a major part of the film's public discussion.
The visual style of Ramayana
The new Ramayana is being made on a large scale, with visual effects handled by DNEG and other production teams involved in creating its world.
The makers have presented the film as a major cinematic retelling of the epic. Its promotional footage has shown Rama, the world around him and the large settings created for the story.
Some viewers may prefer the look of the new film, while others may have different opinions about its designs. The complete movie will be needed to judge how well the effects work across all its scenes.
The key difference: Adipurush has already received audience reactions to its finished visuals. The new Ramayana should be judged on the full film rather than on expectations alone.
3. Story: Are Ramayana and Adipurush Based on the Same Events?
Yes. Both films draw from the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic associated with the story of Rama.
The main events include Rama's exile, Sita's abduction by Ravana, Rama's search for Sita and the battle between Rama's forces and Ravana's army.
However, two films based on the same epic do not have to tell the story in exactly the same way. A director may give more time to certain characters, add scenes to connect events or choose a different pace for the story.
The story in Adipurush
Adipurush follows the central conflict between Raghav and Lankesh. It focuses on Sita's abduction, Rama's efforts to rescue her and the battle against Ravana.
The film uses action and fantasy elements to bring the story to the screen.
The story in Ramayana
The new Ramayana is planned as a two-part film series. This gives the filmmakers more room to develop the characters and the main events across two films.
Its story follows Rama's journey and the conflict with Ravana. The full films will show how the makers balance the main events, family relationships, emotional moments and action.
It is important to remember that the Ramayana has several traditional versions. Film adaptations may differ in their details, so viewers should not assume that every scene in a movie appears in every version of the epic.
4. Music and Background Score
Music plays an important role in a film based on the Ramayana. It can make a battle feel larger, add emotion to a family scene and help viewers connect with a character.
Music in Adipurush
The music of Adipurush was composed by Sachet–Parampara and Ajay–Atul, with other music contributions. The film used songs, chants and dramatic background music to support its action and emotional scenes.
The music became part of the film's identity, especially during promotional campaigns and major moments.
Music in Ramayana
The new Ramayana brings together A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer for its musical score.
Their involvement has created interest because both composers are known for large-scale film music. Their work gives the project an opportunity to combine different musical styles while supporting an Indian epic.
Still, a strong music team does not automatically guarantee a successful soundtrack. The music must work with the scenes, characters and emotions. Audiences will be able to judge the complete score when the film is released.
5. Direction and Overall Presentation
Om Raut directed Adipurush, while Nitesh Tiwari is directing the new Ramayana.
Om Raut previously directed Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, a historical action film. His version of the Ramayana leaned heavily on fantasy, action and large visual scenes.
Nitesh Tiwari is known for directing Dangal and Chhichhore. His previous work includes stories built around characters, relationships and personal struggles.
This does not mean the two directors will always use the same style in every film. A mythological epic is different from a sports drama or a college film.
The main question is how each director balances action, emotion and respect for the source material. Viewers will have a clearer answer after watching the complete Ramayana.
6. Budget and Scale
Both films were made as large productions, but their reported budgets should be compared carefully.
Adipurush was widely reported as a major-budget film, with media estimates often placing its budget at around ₹500 crore or more.
The new Ramayana is also a very large project. Reports have given different budget estimates, and figures may refer to one film, both parts or wider production costs.
For that reason, a simple budget comparison can be misleading unless both figures cover the same costs.
A bigger budget can provide more resources for sets, costumes, visual effects and promotion. But money alone does not decide whether a film is good. The story, acting, editing, music and audience connection matter just as much.
7. Why Was Adipurush Criticised?
After its release in 2023, Adipurush received criticism from many viewers for its visual effects, character designs, dialogue and presentation of the epic.
Some audiences felt that the film's look did not match their expectations of the Ramayana. The dialogue also became a subject of debate, and changes were made to some lines after criticism.
The response showed how strongly people connect with this story. For many viewers, Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Ravana are not just fictional characters. They are important figures in a story that has been passed down through generations.
This is one reason the new Ramayana faces high expectations. People want a film that looks grand but also treats its characters and story with care.
8. Can Ramayana Avoid the Problems Faced by Adipurush?
The new Ramayana has the chance to learn from the response to earlier adaptations. Careful character design, clear dialogue, strong performances and well-made visual effects can help a film connect with its audience.
The makers have also brought together a large cast and an experienced creative team. These are positive signs, but they cannot guarantee the final result.
The complete film must bring all these parts together. Even impressive visuals will not be enough if the story feels weak or the characters lack emotion.
Likewise, a familiar story can still feel fresh when the actors and filmmakers give it depth and care.
It is better to wait for the full film before deciding whether Ramayana has succeeded where Adipurush faced criticism.
Ramayana vs Adipurush: Which Film Is Better?
At this stage, it is not fair to declare one film the winner in every category.
Adipurush has already been released, so viewers can judge its full story, performances, music and visual effects. The new Ramayana has generated interest through its cast, production scale and promotional material, but its complete cinematic experience must be judged on its own merits.
If you prefer to compare the films' casts, you can look at the actors chosen for Rama, Sita, Ravana and Hanuman. If visuals matter most to you, compare the finished scenes rather than relying only on promotional clips. If you care about the story, consider how each film handles the characters' choices and relationships.
The most useful comparison is not simply about which film has the bigger budget or more famous actors. It is about which version tells the story in a way that feels powerful, clear and respectful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ramayana a remake of Adipurush?
No. The new Ramayana is a separate adaptation of the ancient epic. It is not a remake of Adipurush, although both films draw from the same traditional story.
Who plays Rama in Ramayana and Adipurush?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama in the new Ramayana. Prabhas plays Raghav, the film's version of Rama, in Adipurush.
Who plays Ravana in both films?
Yash plays Ravana in the new Ramayana, while Saif Ali Khan plays Lankesh in Adipurush.
Who plays Sita in Ramayana and Adipurush?
Sai Pallavi plays Sita in the new Ramayana. Kriti Sanon plays Janaki in Adipurush.
Who plays Hanuman in both movies?
Sunny Deol plays Hanuman in the new Ramayana, while Devdatta Nage plays the character in Adipurush.
Why did Adipurush receive criticism?
Many viewers criticised its visual effects, character designs, dialogue and overall presentation. Reactions differed, but the criticism became a major part of the film's public response.
Will Ramayana have better visual effects than Adipurush?
The new film has a different creative team and production approach, but it is too early to make a final judgment based only on promotional footage. The complete movie will show how well its visual effects work.
Is the new Ramayana movie being released in two parts?
Yes. The project is planned as a two-part film series, with Part One scheduled for 2026 and Part Two planned for 2027. Check official announcements for the latest release details.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between Ramayana and Adipurush is natural because both films bring one of India's best-known epics to the big screen.
Adipurush offered an action-focused version of the story but faced strong criticism for its visuals and presentation. The new Ramayana has a different cast, a new creative team and a two-part format that gives the story more room to develop.
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Sunny Deol bring fresh interest to the main roles. But the real test will be how the complete film handles its characters, emotions, music and visual effects.
For now, the best approach is to compare what is confirmed, watch the official material and wait for the full film before making a final judgment.
Keep visiting Hit Movie Dialogues for more updates, movie comparisons, character guides and famous film dialogues.
