Actor Yash has shared the reason behind his decision to portray Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-discussed film Ramayana. The actor revealed that his choice initially surprised his friends and family, who questioned why he wanted to play one of the most controversial characters in the Indian epic despite his popularity as a leading star.
The discussion has gained fresh attention following the release of a behind-the-scenes video featuring Yash, Ranbir Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra.
Why Yash Chose to Play Ravana
Yash explained that he was interested in playing Ravana from the beginning, even though people around him were concerned about how audiences would react to seeing him in the role.
He revealed that while he wanted to produce Ramayana because it represents India’s cultural story, his interest as an actor was specifically focused on portraying Ravana.
Addressing concerns about his popularity and the character’s negative image, Yash said that stardom should not become more important than the epic itself. He emphasised that no individual is bigger than Ramayana.
Ranbir Kapoor Supports Yash’s Casting
Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama in the film, also discussed the casting decision in the video.
He explained that portraying Ravana required an actor with a powerful screen presence and a larger-than-life personality. According to Ranbir, Yash brought the presence and star power needed to represent the character.
Producer Namit Malhotra also highlighted the challenge of casting a hugely popular actor as a character traditionally viewed as one of the epic’s main antagonists.
Yash Explains His Interpretation of Ravana
Yash believes Ravana should not be viewed as a straightforward villain. He described Rama as the heart and Ravana as the brain, presenting their conflict as a struggle between two different forces.
Director Nitesh Tiwari also discussed Ravana’s different qualities, including his knowledge, devotion to Lord Shiva and abilities as a warrior.
The filmmakers want audiences to understand the different dimensions of the character while experiencing the larger story of Ramayana.
Ramayana Continues to Generate Discussion
The portrayal of Ravana has become a major talking point among viewers, with discussions surrounding the film’s characterisation and the balance between Rama and Ravana.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic project.
The latest behind-the-scenes video has given audiences a closer look at the creative thinking behind Yash’s transformation into Ravana and the filmmakers’ approach to bringing the legendary epic to the big screen.
