Yash defends Ramayana’s global scale: “We need to make it familiar to a Western audience”

As promotions for Ramayana gather pace, director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and star Yash took the project to CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where Ramayana Part One was showcased to global exhibitors.

Yash on portraying Ravana

Based on the ancient epic by Valmiki, the film retells the story of Lord Rama—an incarnation of Vishnu—played by Ranbir Kapoor, and his battle against the demon king Ravana, portrayed by Yash, after the abduction of Sita (Sai Pallavi).

Speaking to Reuters, Yash said he aimed to add depth to Ravana’s character. “I have tried to internalise the essence of Ravana and make him as human as possible at times,” he said, adding that relatability was key.

The film’s first glimpse drew praise for its scale and visual effects, though some viewers criticised the design of the asuras as being too Western-influenced. Addressing this, Yash said the film’s global ambition requires a balance that resonates with international audiences.

A global cinematic vision

With a reported combined budget of up to $500 million, Ramayana is among the most expensive film projects ever made and the costliest in Indian cinema.

Producer Namit Malhotra described the film as a blend of fantasy and human drama, inspired by global epics like The Lord of the Rings and Gladiator. “It’s meant for the world, bringing together the best of the East and the West,” he said.

Release timeline

Ramayana Part One is set for a worldwide release on November 8, coinciding with Diwali, while the second installment is scheduled for 2027.

The film also stars Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.