'Ranbir Kapoor disappointed me as Rama': R Sreelekha says Mammootty would have been perfect as Parashurama in Ramayana

Former Kerala DGP and BJP councillor R Sreelekha has shared a mixed but detailed assessment of the much-discussed film 'Ramayana', praising Yash's portrayal of Ravana and Sai Pallavi's Sita while expressing disappointment with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. She also believes Malayalam superstar Mammootty would have been a compelling choice for the role of Parashurama.

In a review uploaded to her YouTube channel, 'Sasneham Sreelekha', Sreelekha spoke about the film's performances, characterisations and visual scale. While she had several positive things to say about the film, she felt Ranbir's portrayal of Rama lacked the emotional expression expected of the character.

Sreelekha said she was disappointed when Ranbir appeared as Rama, particularly because she believes the actor has considerable potential and has delivered powerful performances in his other films.

According to her, Ranbir's facial expressions and eyes appeared unusually calm through several important moments in the story. She felt this made Rama seem less lively, whether the character was experiencing love, anger, separation, preparing for exile or facing a battle.

She also referred to the scene in which Jatayu dies. Instead of displaying the grief she expected, Rama appeared composed, she said. It was only when Lakshmana spoke that she realised Rama was crying.

Sreelekha suggested that the restrained portrayal might have been what the director wanted, adding that Ranbir is otherwise a talented actor capable of expressing a wide range of emotions.

She felt the character came across as almost Buddha-like in his calmness, rather than as a human incarnation of God displaying the full range of human emotions.

'Wouldn't Mammootty have been great as Parashurama?'

Interestingly, Sreelekha had a very different reaction to Ranbir's appearance as Parashurama. She praised the performance, saying the actor was impressive in the role. However, it also made her wonder whether Mammootty would have been an even better choice.

She jokingly suggested that the role could have been offered to the Malayalam superstar instead.

Sreelekha said the thought crossed her mind that Mammootty would have made the character even more impressive. Her remark adds an interesting casting angle to her review, particularly as she was otherwise critical of Ranbir's portrayal of Rama.

Yash's Ravana makes a powerful impression

Sreelekha reserved considerable praise for Yash, who plays Ravana in the film. She said his character makes a strong impression right from the opening 15 minutes, helping draw viewers into the story.

She was particularly impressed by the way Yash conveys emotions through his eyes. His expressions and the intensity in his gaze, she felt, bring strength and depth to the character.

Sreelekha also spoke humorously about how her opinion of the actor had changed. Referring to Yash's film 'Toxic', she said she had disliked him after it, but his performance in 'Ramayana' had made audiences fall in love with him.

Sai Pallavi's Sita is a different portrayal

Sreelekha also praised Shobana's portrayal of Kaikesi, appreciating the way the character's younger appearance had been presented.

However, she said Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita stood out even more. According to her, the film presents a Sita who is different from the traditional image familiar to audiences.

She described the character as intelligent, courageous and skilled in sword fighting and martial arts. Sita is not portrayed as someone who is afraid or helpless, but as a woman with knowledge, confidence and the ability to fight.

Sreelekha particularly liked the action sequences featuring Sai Pallavi and considered her casting as Sita one of the film's best choices.

Sreelekha also appreciated actor Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Rama in the 1987 television series 'Ramayan'.

Beyond the performances, she praised the film's production values and visual presentation. She felt its scale and technical execution were impressive, even comparing them favourably with the Hollywood film 'The Odyssey'.

Describing the film as a proud moment for India, Sreelekha said its overall presentation was above the mark.