The casting of Yash as Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana has been one of the most discussed aspects of the ambitious two-part epic. Now, producer Namit Malhotra has opened up about the thinking behind bringing the Kannada superstar on board for the role.
Speaking at a recent promotional event, Malhotra described Yash as an important part of the film’s journey and said the actor was needed not only because of his popularity but also because of the scale and complexity associated with Ravana.
According to Malhotra, the role required someone capable of standing as a powerful presence opposite the film’s central protagonist while also understanding the many dimensions of Ravana.
“Yash Was The Pillar Of Support”
Namit Malhotra praised Yash’s contribution to the project and called him a “pillar of support” for the ambitious adaptation.
The producer explained that playing Ravana was not simply about portraying a conventional villain. The character is deeply rooted in Indian mythology and carries a complicated combination of power, knowledge, devotion, pride and ambition.
Malhotra said that taking on such a role required courage, particularly because Ravana is traditionally remembered as the antagonist of the Ramayana. He added that Yash’s involvement went beyond acting, as the actor is also associated with the project as a co-producer.
For Malhotra, having a major star willing to support the larger vision was an important part of bringing Ramayana to the screen.
What Does Ravana Represent In Ramayana?
While discussing Yash’s casting, Malhotra also spoke about his understanding of Ravana.
The producer described Ravana as a representation of the darker tendencies that can emerge when ambition, greed, power and the desire for control overshadow compassion and the ability to sacrifice.
According to Malhotra, Ravana had immense power and strength, but his downfall came because he lost sight of where he came from and allowed those qualities to overpower his better side.
This interpretation gives the character more complexity than simply presenting him as a one-dimensional villain.
Yash Had His Own Reason For Choosing Ravana
Yash has previously explained why he decided to portray Ravana rather than Lord Ram, despite being one of the film’s producers.
The actor said that showing the goodness of Lord Ram requires Ravana to be a formidable opponent. In his view, the audience needs to feel the challenge of defeating Ravana before Ram’s victory can have its full impact.
Yash also said that the project was not about individual stardom or ego. Instead, the team had to focus on creating the best possible version of the story.
This approach also explains why the actor was comfortable taking on the antagonist rather than automatically choosing the central heroic role.
Ravana Is Being Presented With Multiple Shades
The makers have repeatedly indicated that their version of Ravana will explore more than his role as the villain of the story.
Yash himself has spoken about the challenge of portraying a character whose image is already deeply established in popular culture. Since audiences have grown up hearing different versions of the Ramayana, every actor who plays Ravana faces the challenge of bringing something distinctive to the character.
Yash said he focused on understanding what motivated Ravana and what made him behave the way he did. He also noted that director Nitesh Tiwari and the writers gave him space to approach the character differently.
That preparation could become an important element of his performance when the film reaches cinemas.
Ranbir Kapoor Plays Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi Is Sita
Ramayana features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman, while Sunny Deol portrays Hanuman. The cast also includes actors such as Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Sheeba Chadha and others in important roles.
The film is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, while Namit Malhotra is producing the ambitious project. DNEG is handling the visual effects, adding to the film’s international technical scale.
Why Yash’s Ravana Has Created So Much Curiosity
Yash’s casting is particularly interesting because the actor is already associated with a massive pan-India fan base following the success of the KGF franchise.
Instead of using that popularity to play the traditional hero, the actor has chosen one of the most complex characters in the epic. The decision has generated considerable discussion among audiences even before the film’s release.
The makers have also positioned Ramayana as a project intended to reach audiences beyond India. Malhotra has previously spoken about his ambition to present the epic on a global scale, while Yash has stressed the importance of bringing together the strongest possible creative team.
Ramayana Part 1 Release Date
The first instalment of Ramayana is scheduled to arrive worldwide in November 2026, with the Indian theatrical release planned around Diwali. The second part is expected to follow in 2027.
With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram and Yash portraying Ravana, the central conflict between the two characters is expected to be one of the film’s biggest attractions.
For Namit Malhotra, however, Yash’s importance goes beyond the on-screen battle. His involvement as both actor and co-producer has made him a significant part of the larger journey of bringing Ramayana to audiences around the world.
As the release approaches, the focus will now remain on how the filmmakers translate one of India’s most familiar epics into a large-scale cinematic experience while presenting its iconic characters in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
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