Ramayana Songs Face Comparisons With Adipurush: Can the New Epic Deliver a More Powerful Musical Experience?

The upcoming Ramayana has generated considerable curiosity among moviegoers, thanks to its ambitious scale, prominent cast and the timeless story at its heart. However, as the film's music reaches audiences, the conversation is shifting towards a key question: will its songs create the emotional and devotional impact that fans expect from a cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic?

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Yash plays Ravana, while Sunny Deol appears as Hanuman. With Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and internationally acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer associated with the music, expectations for the soundtrack are particularly high.

Yet, the response to the songs released so far has sparked comparisons with Adipurush, the 2023 mythological film whose music found appreciation among sections of the audience despite the movie's wider reception being disappointing.

Why Ramayana's Music Is Under Scrutiny

Music plays an important role in films based on mythology, particularly when the story carries deep cultural and devotional significance. Songs can establish the atmosphere, communicate a character's emotional journey and help audiences connect with familiar episodes in a new cinematic format.

For Ramayana, the challenge is especially significant because audiences already have strong associations with the story. Previous television adaptations, devotional recordings and other cultural interpretations have shaped expectations about how the characters and their world should feel.

The initial songs from the new film have received a reasonable response, but some listeners are still waiting for a stronger emotional connection. For these viewers, technical sophistication and a grand production are not enough. The music must also communicate devotion, dignity, love, courage and the spiritual depth associated with the epic.

This distinction matters because a soundtrack can sound impressive without necessarily becoming emotionally memorable. The strongest devotional film songs often combine an effective melody, meaningful lyrics, appropriate vocals and an arrangement that supports the story.

How Adipurush Became the Benchmark

Released in 2023, Adipurush starred Prabhas as Rama, Kriti Sanon as Sita and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana. Directed by Om Raut, the film attracted significant attention before release but faced substantial criticism after reaching theatres, particularly over its dialogues, visual presentation and interpretation of the epic.

Its music, however, received a different kind of response from some listeners. Composed by Ajay-Atul, the soundtrack included songs associated with devotion, romance and the heroic presentation of Rama.

Tracks such as Ram Siya Ram and Jai Shri Ram became important parts of the film's musical identity. Their appeal illustrates how individual songs can retain an audience even when a film itself struggles to win widespread approval.

For some fans, the music offered the emotional scale they wanted from a modern mythological production. Devotional associations also helped certain tracks remain relevant beyond the film's theatrical run.

That contrast explains why Adipurush continues to enter discussions about the music of the new Ramayana. The comparison is not necessarily an endorsement of the earlier film as a whole. Instead, it reflects the view that its soundtrack achieved moments of emotional and musical impact that the new film must now match or surpass.

The Rahman and Hans Zimmer Factor

The involvement of A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer adds another dimension to expectations surrounding Ramayana. Rahman is known for his work across Indian cinema and international projects, while Zimmer has built a global reputation for cinematic scores that support large-scale storytelling.

Their association creates anticipation for a soundtrack that could combine Indian musical traditions with a broader orchestral approach. However, the names attached to a project cannot guarantee that every song will immediately connect with listeners.

The effectiveness of the music will ultimately depend on the compositions, lyrics, vocal performances and how naturally the songs fit the characters and narrative.

A film like Ramayana also requires a balance between spectacle and restraint. Powerful musical passages may suit scenes of conflict or divine strength, while quieter compositions may be more appropriate for Rama and Sita's relationship or moments of reflection.

A consistent musical identity across these different moods could prove more valuable than relying on a single dramatic song to generate attention.