Mumbai: Actor Ranbir Kapoor has heaped praise on his Ramayana co-star Yash, saying the Kannada superstar’s “aura” and “stardom” made him the perfect choice to portray Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the Hindu epic. Speaking during the film’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, Ranbir said the makers needed an actor with Yash’s commanding screen presence to bring the iconic antagonist to life.
The event brought together director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra and lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, who shared insights into one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated projects. The discussion offered fans a glimpse into the creative process behind the epic, which is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
Ranbir praises Yash’s screen presence
During the interaction, Ranbir explained that Ravana is one of mythology’s most layered and formidable characters, requiring an actor capable of matching the role’s intensity.
“We needed somebody with Yash’s aura and stardom to play this role,” Ranbir said, adding that Yash has brought a fresh interpretation to the legendary king of Lanka. He also praised his co-star’s dedication to the character, saying audiences would witness a version of Ravana unlike recent portrayals on screen.
Ranbir further noted that Yash’s performance balances power, charisma and emotional depth, making the character both intimidating and compelling.
Yash on playing Ravana
Responding to the praise, Yash said portraying Ravana comes with immense responsibility because of the character’s cultural and mythological significance.
He emphasised that the team has approached the epic with sincerity and respect, focusing on the intention behind every creative decision. Yash said the makers wanted to present familiar characters in a way that feels authentic while remaining emotionally engaging for modern audiences.
Ranbir on playing Lord Ram
Ranbir also spoke about the responsibility of portraying Lord Ram, describing it as one of the most meaningful roles of his career.
He admitted that his initial reaction was one of fear and self-doubt, wondering whether he could do justice to such a revered character. Over time, however, he came to see the role as both a blessing and a moral responsibility, motivating him to prepare extensively for the film.
The actor has previously revealed that he met scholars and undertook spiritual preparation to better understand the character before filming began.
A global vision for Ramayana
Producer Namit Malhotra reiterated the team’s ambition to make Ramayana a global cinematic spectacle capable of standing alongside the world’s biggest productions.
He confirmed that while the trailer launch schedule had changed, audiences can expect more major announcements in the coming months. The film features large-scale visual effects by DNEG and music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana, the ensemble cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
Fans eagerly await the epic
The comments from Ranbir and Yash have further heightened anticipation for Ramayana, which has already generated considerable buzz for its scale, casting and visual ambition.
Fans on social media praised the mutual admiration between the two stars, with many expressing excitement to see their on-screen clash as Lord Ram and Ravana. Industry observers believe the film could become one of the biggest Indian releases of 2026.
Conclusion
Ranbir Kapoor’s remarks underline the confidence the Ramayana team has in Yash’s portrayal of Ravana. By highlighting the Kannada star’s aura and screen presence, the actor has further fuelled excitement for what promises to be one of the most ambitious mythological films ever produced in India.