Yash Unpacks His Bold Choice: Why Ravana Over Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’
In a move that has ignited considerable discussion among fans and industry insiders alike, popular actor Yash is set to portray the formidable antagonist Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the ‘Ramayana’. This decision is particularly noteworthy given that Yash, a co-producer on the monumental project, could have easily chosen the titular role of Lord Rama, which has been taken on by Ranbir Kapoor. Recently, the ‘KGF’ star shed light on his unconventional choice and emphasized the collaborative spirit driving this ambitious production.
During a candid appearance on ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, hosted by Rajat Sharma, Yash was pressed on his rationale for embracing the role of Ravana despite his creative influence as a producer. His explanation was both direct and insightful: "Ram ka bhalai dikhane ke liye Ravan ka burai bhi toh chahiye (To showcase Ram’s goodness, we also need to depict Ravan’s evil)." He then confidently added, "Mujhse achcha burai koi dikha nahin sakta (No one can portray evil better than I can)."
Sharma’s playful jab about Yash embracing villainy was met with an equally spirited response. The actor declared, "Jab main achha character bhi karunga na, mujhse achcha koi bhi nahin hoga (When I play a good character too, no one will be better than me)." He further elaborated on the crucial role Ravana plays in the narrative, stressing the need for the character to exude immense power and intimidation. "Ravan ko dekhkar lagna chahiye, ‘isko kaise maara jaaye?’ (Looking at Ravan, the audience should feel, ‘How can we kill him?’)" he explained, highlighting that a compelling antagonist is essential for the hero’s journey to resonate.
Yash was quick to underscore that the ‘Ramayana’ project transcends individual star power. He asserted, "We all have kept our egos aside. It’s not about my stardom or me as a star in Ramayana. The best people are working on this project." This sentiment reinforces the collaborative ethos behind the film, aiming for a grand spectacle that prioritizes the epic narrative over personal glory.
Navigating a Cultural Cornerstone: The Challenge of Bringing ‘Ramayana’ to Screen
The actor acknowledged the immense responsibility and inherent challenges in adapting such a deeply ingrained cultural and religious epic for a contemporary audience. He shared his personal connection to the story, recalling how his earliest understanding of the ‘Ramayana’ stemmed from his grandfather’s narrations, long before visual media influenced his imagination.
Yash also addressed the delicate balance required to maintain entertainment value while respecting religious sentiments. "Ramayana is a part of our cultural memory. We have to keep the entertainment value. At the same time, we can’t hurt religious sentiments. It’s a difficult task, but we have to do it," he stated, highlighting the tightrope walk involved in such a production.
Expressing unwavering support for producer Namit Malhotra, Yash remarked, "My friend Namit Malhotra has been risking his money. Let him do it, sir. He’s doing it for the country. People will watch it and bless him." This statement not only commends Malhotra’s financial commitment but also frames the project as a significant cultural undertaking for India.
A Glimpse into the Grandeur of ‘Ramayana’
Namit Malhotra previously revealed the staggering scale of the two-part ‘Ramayana,’ with a combined budget estimated at nearly USD 500 million, equivalent to over Rs 4,000 crore. The first installment is slated for a worldwide release in October 2026, coinciding with the Diwali festivities, with the second part set to arrive during Diwali 2027. Beyond Yash and Ranbir Kapoor, the star-studded cast includes Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, and Ravi Dubey in pivotal roles, promising a cinematic experience of epic proportions.
