Two performances, two opposite problems
Sai Pallavi as Sita and Sunny Deol as Hanuman are the two most talked about supporting turns in Ramayana Part 1, and they could not be more different. Sai Pallavi is on screen for much of the film, and viewers cannot agree on her at all. Sunny Deol is barely in the film, and fans cannot stop talking about the few seconds he gets.
That contrast tells you a lot about how this film was built. Part 1 follows Ram from his marriage to Sita through exile and ends with her abduction, so Sita is central and Sai Pallavi carries a huge load. Hanuman belongs mostly to the story after the abduction, so Sunny Deol's full turn is saved for Part 2.
This article covers both performances honestly. The praise for Sai Pallavi is real. The criticism is real too. And the Sunny Deol story is mostly about what the film holds back, which may be the smartest move in the whole release.
Sai Pallavi as Sita: the praise
Start with what is working. Mathrubhumi's live review blog reported that audiences are appreciating the portrayal of Sita as a fierce warrior, and that it strikes a chord with audiences. That is a deliberate choice, and it lands with viewers who wanted a Sita with strength, not just grace.
Sai Pallavi herself has spoken about the role with real reverence. At the film's launch event in Delhi on July 18, 2026, she said it is not easy to play a goddess, and that she was blessed to play the role. She said she would sit and meditate and say, Sita Maa, you act through me. At the same event she spoke in English while most of the cast spoke in Hindi, saying she can speak Hindi but is being careful because she is not well versed in it.
Some viewers say the emotional scenes between Rama and Sita work, and that her gentle warmth suits the role. Rapper Badshah, who rated the film six on five, praised the performances of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, and Yash together. ScreenRant said Ranbir and Sai Pallavi excel in the more action packed moments and bring a lot of charm to the scenes that expand on their characters. That is a real compliment, even from a mixed review.
Sai Pallavi as Sita: the criticism
But the criticism is sharp. Outlook India, in its 2.5 out of 5 review, said the film underdevelops Sita. That is a comment on the script, not on Sai Pallavi's talent. The film gives her less room than the story needs.IGN made a similar point about both leads. It said Sai Pallavi's Sita is graceful in posture, but there is little underlying her as an actual human being. ScreenRant agreed in softer language, saying the characters are rooted so thoroughly in their embodiment of their mythological selves that they do not always feel fully human.
The audience reaction is split down the middle. Mathrubhumi's X review roundup reported that Sai Pallavi's performance has attracted a more divided response than anyone else in the cast. One viewer called her a huge letdown, writing that she was bland and could not emote for a big part of the movie. Another viewer, quoted by NDTV, said Ranbir and Sai Pallavi were miscast as Ram and Sita.
The Ram and Sita emotion is the heart of the epic, and several viewers say it fails to resonate. Venky Reviews wrote that Ranbir and Sai Pallavi are sincere as Ram and Sita, but the divine and emotional connect never comes through consistently. That is the core complaint, and it follows Sai Pallavi through every roundup.
Sunny Deol as Hanuman: the tease that stole the show
Sunny Deol as Hanuman is the strangest story in the whole film, because he is barely in it and yet everyone is talking about him. His absence from the trailer started it. When the trailer dropped, fans asked where Hanuman was, and why Sunny Deol did not appear even once.
The LA premiere answered the question. The film reportedly features a post-credit scene that teases the one iconic character fans have been waiting for, and that character is Hanuman. Movie Talkies reported that Sunny Deol appears as Lord Hanuman in the end credit scene, though early reactions suggest his face remains hidden.
One X user wrote that the sole reason for many to go and watch would be to see Yash as Ravan and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The post-credit tease has turned a small appearance into one of the film's biggest talking points, and it sets up Part 2 perfectly.
What Sunny Deol himself said about the role
Sunny Deol has been open about how much the role means to him, and how hard it is. At the Delhi launch event on July 18, 2026, he got emotional on stage. He said he has done only a little work so far, and still has a long way to go, but he will make every possible effort to portray Hanuman ji in the right way.
He added that playing Hanuman ji is not easy, but he knows he will enjoy it immensely. He described Hanuman as playful, innocent and powerful, and above all a devotee of Lord Ram. That is the performance fans are waiting for, and Part 1 only gives them a glimpse of it.
The plan, as reported, is that Sunny Deol will have a full fledged role in Part 2. The makers have said Part 2 is planned for Diwali 2027, though at least one outlet has reported 2028, so treat the date as the makers' stated plan with a conflict flagged.
So here is the honest summary. Sai Pallavi gives you a Sita with real warmth and a warrior edge that audiences praise, but the film underdevelops her and the Ram Sita emotion does not land for many viewers. Sunny Deol gives you almost nothing in Part 1, and that almost nothing has fans more excited than most of the film.
What fans are saying on X
X user quoted in India TV roundup, October 28, 2026: "Sunny Deol as Hanuman is the bomb at the end that will send people restless out of theatres." Read the India TV roundup.
Rama's Screen on X, via NDTV Profit, October 2026: "Yes, Ramayana Rise of a Legend has a post-credit scene. And the post-credit scene teases that one iconic character that you've all been anticipating. You know who I'm talking about. Can't wait for the sequel in 2028." Read the NDTV Profit report.
Sources and reporting
- Mathrubhumi English — Nov 5, 2026 · Verifies Sita as a warrior striking a chord, the divided response to Sai Pallavi, and the weak Ram-Sita emotion
- Outlook India — Nov 5, 2026 · Verifies the 2.5/5 rating and that the film underdevelops Sita
- India TV — Oct 28, 2026 · Verifies the post-credit scene teasing Sunny Deol as Hanuman and fan reactions to it
