Ramayana: Part 1 Delivers Strong Opening Yet Trails Behind Adipurush
By Screen Entry Desk · 5 November 2026

Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic opens with impressive numbers, but the opening day falls short of Prabhas’ record‑setting Adipurush. The film’s performance signals audience enthusiasm for grand folklore adaptations.
Nitesh Tiwari’s much‑anticipated retelling of the ancient epic, Ramayana: Part 1, stepped onto the screens this weekend and immediately drew sizable crowds. The film’s lavish production design, star‑studded cast, and modern visual effects have resonated with fans of mythological cinema, translating into a robust box‑office debut that many industry watchers are hailing as a promising start.
Despite the momentum, the opening‑day gross did not eclipse the benchmark set by Prabhas’ Adipurush, which currently holds the record for the highest first‑day takings among recent Telugu releases. Analysts attribute the shortfall to a combination of factors, including a slightly narrower release footprint and stiff competition from other regional releases that premiered the same weekend.
Critics who attended early screenings praised the film’s narrative ambition and the way it balances reverence for the source material with contemporary storytelling techniques. Director Nitesh Tiwari’s background in both Hindi and Telugu cinema appears to have helped bridge cultural nuances, delivering a version of the Ramayana that feels both authentic and accessible to today’s audiences.
For actors and casting directors, the film’s ensemble offers a case study in assembling a diverse talent pool that can embody iconic mythic figures while still delivering nuanced performances. The casting choices—ranging from seasoned veterans to emerging faces—have sparked conversations across the industry about the evolving criteria for mythological roles.
Looking ahead, the box‑office trajectory of Ramayana: Part 1 will be closely monitored as the film rolls out to more territories. While it may not have toppled Adipurush’s opening record, its strong start suggests a sustained interest in grand, culturally rooted narratives that could shape future project greenlights in Tollywood.