Ramayana makers unveil ‘The Making of Ravana’ as they offer glimpse into the transformation of Yash
With Ramayana: Part 1 now playing in theatres worldwide, the makers have unveiled a special behind-the-scenes feature titled ‘The Making of Ravana’, offering a closer look at the process of bringing Yash’s portrayal of the epic character to the screen. The video features insights from producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari, Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, who also serves as a co-producer on the film.
The featurette explores the thought process behind casting Yash as Ravana, a character with a complex place in Indian mythology. Speaking about the decision, Namit Malhotra discusses the challenge of bringing together a character with a well-established cultural perception and an actor who enjoys considerable popularity among audiences. According to the producer, the role called for someone with a larger-than-life presence and an unmistakable aura, qualities he felt Yash brought to the project. Their shared ambition and vision eventually became the foundation of the collaboration.
The video also touches upon the questions Yash faced from friends and family regarding his decision to portray Ravana, given the character’s traditional association with antagonism. However, the actor’s approach was guided by his belief that the epic was larger than any individual involved in its making. His desire to be part of the project stemmed from the conviction that Ramayana belongs to everyone, and none of them are bigger than the story itself.
Another aspect explored in the featurette is the multiple dimensions of Ravana, who is traditionally remembered as the antagonist in the epic but is also described as a formidable warrior, accomplished astrologer and devoted Shivabhakt. The filmmakers examine these contrasting qualities as part of their approach to presenting the character.
Director Nitesh Tiwari offers his interpretation of the relationship between the two central figures, explaining that Ravana cannot be viewed as a straightforward villain. Drawing a distinction between Rama and Ravana, he describes Rama as the heart and Ravana as the brain, highlighting the conflict between the mind and the heart. Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays Lord Rama, also shares his perspective on Yash’s interpretation of Ravana and the different dimensions that emerge through his performance.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Namit Malhotra describes how their respective ambitions came together for the project. While he brought his vision for Ramayana, he credits Yash with bringing the ambition to make the seemingly impossible possible, describing the association as a meeting of vision and ambition.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
Envisioned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, the film’s first instalment released worldwide on November 5, 2026, across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The second instalment is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2027. Sony Pictures is handling international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions is distributing the film in the Hindi-speaking market. Southern distribution is being handled by Monster Mind, SVC Release, AVA Cholayil and Think Studios.
Also Read: Mahesh Babu reviews Ramayana: Part 1; showers praises on Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and others
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