Mumbai: There has been immense anticipation among fans for the on-screen face-off between Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana in Ramayana. However, putting speculation to rest, Yash has confirmed that audiences will not witness their confrontation in the first instalment of the two-part epic.
The revelation has come as a surprise to many who were eagerly waiting to see the two stars clash on screen. Instead, fans will have to wait until the second part of the film for this much-anticipated moment.
Yash confirms no scenes with Ranbir in Part One
Currently attending Cinemacon alongside producer Namit Malhotra, Yash opened up about his experience working on the film and his dynamic with Ranbir Kapoor. In an interview, the actor clarified that although both play central characters, their paths do not intersect in the first part.
He explained that the narrative structure of the film keeps their storylines separate initially. According to Yash, Ravana and Rama are shown in their respective kingdoms, with individual arcs being developed before their eventual clash.
Despite not sharing screen space, Yash spoke highly of Ranbir Kapoor, describing him as a “fabulous actor” and emphasising the mutual respect between them. He added that both actors share a unified vision for the film and are committed to delivering a grand cinematic experience.
Yash also noted that they have met a few times off-screen and that their shared ambition for the project has helped build a strong professional rapport.
A layered portrayal of Ravana
Director Nitesh Tiwari has already indicated that this adaptation of Ramayana will present Ravana as a multifaceted character rather than a one-dimensional villain.
Highlighting Ravana’s complexity, Tiwari has spoken about portraying him as a scholar, a great warrior, an accomplished musician, and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. This approach aims to bring depth and nuance to the character, making the narrative more engaging and balanced.
Yash’s version of Ravana is expected to reflect these qualities, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the iconic antagonist from Indian mythology.
Massive scale and ambitious vision
The film is being mounted on an unprecedented scale, with a reported budget of around ₹4,000 crore. This makes Ramayana one of the most expensive film projects not only in India but globally.
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, the film features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The project also includes several prominent names such as Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, and Rakul Preet Singh.
The music for the film is being composed by internationally acclaimed artists Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, adding to the grandeur and global appeal of the project.
Mixed reactions to first glimpse
The initial glimpse of Ramayana Part One has generated mixed reactions on social media. While many viewers appreciated the scale, visual ambition, and Ranbir Kapoor’s look as Lord Rama, others expressed concerns about the visual effects and character design.
Some criticism was directed towards the depiction of the asuras and certain VFX elements, which were perceived as underwhelming given the film’s massive budget. In response, the makers have acknowledged the feedback and assured audiences that improvements are being made during post-production.
Release timeline and expectations
Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic event, with the first instalment scheduled for release in October 2026. The second part is expected to hit theatres in 2027, where the much-awaited confrontation between Rama and Ravana will likely take centre stage.
The film aims to retell one of India’s most revered epics with cutting-edge technology and a contemporary storytelling approach, while staying rooted in tradition.
Conclusion
While the absence of a direct face-off between Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in the first part may disappoint some fans, it also sets the stage for a larger and more impactful confrontation in the sequel. With its ambitious scale, star-studded cast, and layered storytelling, Ramayana continues to remain one of the most awaited film projects in Indian cinema.