Kannada superstar Yash, best known for his work in the KGF franchise, has offered a glimpse into his personal preparations for his upcoming role as the demon king Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated mythological epic, Ramayana. As the production moves toward its scheduled worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, the actor shared an engaging anecdote regarding how he introduced his young son to the narrative and his part in it.
According to the actor, the revelation of his casting prompted an immediate and innocent reaction from his son, who was confused by his father’s choice to play the antagonist. Yash recalled that his son, having learned the foundational story of the Ramayana, was shocked to discover that his father was cast as the villain rather than the heroic figure of Lord Rama. During the exchange, his son pointedly asked, "No, you’re the bad guy! How can you do that?"
The actor noted that this conversation provided an essential opportunity to teach his child about the nuance of performance. Yash explained to his son that in order for an audience to fully grasp the weight of the complete narrative, the role of the antagonist must be portrayed with conviction. He emphasized that accepting the role does not equate to endorsing the character's actions, and that he is focused on delivering a compelling performance for his viewers.
Beyond the logistics of his role, Yash also used the discussion to reinforce the moral framework of the epic. He told his son that while he might be the one on screen in the theatre, the central figure whom one should look up to and follow is Lord Rama. The actor stressed that even though Ravana may be depicted as powerful, grand, and imposing, true and lasting victory is only achieved by walking the path of righteousness embodied by Rama.
The conversation took a poignant turn when his son inquired whether the character of Ravana ultimately loses the battle and meets his end. Yash admitted that responding to these questions was a challenging experience, as he had not fully anticipated the emotional depth of his son's curiosity when he initially signed the project. He noted that guiding a child through the distinction between a dramatic role and one's personal identity was a significant experience in his own journey as an actor.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the upcoming two-part cinematic project boasts a vast ensemble cast. Ranbir Kapoor is set to portray Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi appearing as Sita. The production also features Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, and Adinath Kothare as Bharat. The film’s musical score is composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
As the film prepares to hit theatres in late 2026, the production team continues to generate significant interest regarding this high-profile mythological adaptation. Yash’s reflections highlight the careful balance performers often strike when taking on iconic literary characters, ensuring that audiences can appreciate the artistic effort while maintaining an understanding of the underlying cultural and moral stories.
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