Ramayana Part I ending explained: A heartbreak and a promise of an epic showdown

Jatayu's heroic last stand, Ravana's abduction of Sita and Rama's vow of vengeance set the stage for an epic showdown. Here's where Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Rise of Legend ends Part I and what makes the wait for Part II exciting.

In Short

• Ramayana is planned as a two-part saga, the rumours of a third part circulate
• The first part focusses on Ravana's rise, Rama-Sita marriage and exile
• The climax features the heroic sacrifice of Jatayu against Ravana

Ramayana has been planned as a two-part cinematic saga, although rumours of a third instalment have already begun doing the rounds. And with the largely glowing reviews that the first part has received in India, anticipation for the sequel is already building. Or, at least, that's what the buzz on social media suggests. But before we get into what to expect from Part II, let's revisit where Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Rise of Legend leaves us at the end of its first chapter.

The Ramayana is an epic that needs little introduction. Generations of Indians have grown up with its stories, lived by its values and found meaning in its characters. Which is why, strictly speaking, there are few surprises left in the larger narrative. Most audiences already know what happens. What remains interesting is how a filmmaker chooses to tell it, which version of the epic informs his storytelling and what new dimensions he brings to familiar characters.

Tiwari's first instalment largely focusses on the rise of the demon king Ravana, the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, their years in exile, their encounters with demons in the forest and, eventually, Sita's abduction. While these are familiar chapters, the film's treatment of them makes all the difference.

As Rama, Sita and Lakshman leave the comforts of Ayodhya behind and navigate the unfamiliar world of the forest, the narrative gradually builds towards its most consequential moment. And that is where the film really comes into its own.

The epic climax ft. Jatayu

The first part culminates in an epic confrontation between Jatayu, the Pakshi Raj (king of birds), and Ravana. As Ravana attempts to abduct Sita in his divine flying chariot, Pushpak Vimana, Jatayu steps in to rescue her. He ultimately loses his life, but not before putting up a formidable fight.

In Tiwari's interpretation, Jatayu is not just an ageing bird who makes a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to save Sita. He emerges as a formidable warrior who takes on Ravana, damages his chariot and comes tantalisingly close to rescuing her. His sacrifice is not portrayed as a fleeting episode in the larger story but as an act of extraordinary courage. The emotional weight of his death is felt deeply, both on screen and in the audience, giving the film a powerful finale.

A heartbroken and furious Rama is left with one resolve: to avenge Jatayu and bring Sita home. "Ravana teeno lokon ka swami hai. Main teeno lokon ke saamne uska vadh karunga [Ravana is the lord of all three worlds. I will slay him before all three worlds]," he declares, setting the emotional and narrative stage for the next chapter.

And that's where Part I draws the curtain.

The biggest battle is saved for Part II

Tiwari makes a rather smart storytelling choice by holding back the grand battle between Rama and Ravana for the second instalment. He leaves audiences with enough to understand the stakes, enough to feel the emotional weight of the conflict and, most importantly, enough to look forward to what comes next.

The approach also brings to mind SS Rajamouli's Baahubali, where the first film laid the foundation for a much larger confrontation that would unfold in its sequel. Here, too, the promise of the ultimate battle is allowed to simmer and not rushed into the first chapter.

And there is another significant reason for the anticipation. Lord Hanuman joining Rama in his quest to rescue Sita and defeat Ravana is one of the biggest emotional and cinematic moments the sequel has in store. When that alliance finally comes together, it is likely to be met with the kind of cheers and whistles that mythological spectacles thrive on.

That could just be the cleverest thing about how Ramayana: Rise of Legend structures its first part. It gives audiences a substantial story, introduces its world and characters, and delivers an emotionally charged climax, yet leaves them wanting more. It doesn't try to tell the entire epic in one go. It builds towards a battle that promises to be bigger, more consequential and far more personal.

And if the first part is any indication, the real spectacle is still waiting to unfold.

Ramayana: Rise of Legend is currently running in theatres. It features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.

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