Yash on Ramayana: 'Right intent' drove the epic's big-screen journey
Synopsis
Yash is taking Ramayana to San Diego Comic-Con — and his message is clear: intent before spectacle. With Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and a Diwali 2026 release locked in, this two-part mythological epic is shaping up as Bollywood's most ambitious franchise bet in years.
Key Takeaways
Yash is representing Ramayana at San Diego Comic-Con , crediting 'right intent' as the film's driving force.
Yash plays demon king Ravana ; Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha.
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra .
Part 1 releases Diwali 2026 ; Part 2 is scheduled for Diwali 2027 .
The trailer was launched in Delhi on 18 July at a star-studded event.
Yash's next release, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups , hits theatres on 26 August .
Actor Yash, currently representing the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana at San Diego Comic-Con, has opened up about the monumental effort behind adapting one of India's most sacred stories for the big screen, crediting 'right intent' as the foundational force that shaped the entire production.
What Yash Said
'I think intent is the most important thing. You have the right intent and right team. When we have started with the right intent, everything will fall in place,' Yash said in a statement from San Diego.
Elaborating further, he added: 'I think this story itself has got so much of aspects where we have started with the right intent and we started figuring out so many aspects of life while making this film. And technically, yes, it was demanding.'
On the production challenges, Yash noted: 'Like make-up to looks, there were so many challenges. But I think eventually, when you are trying to tell a story, that's why we all are here. We love stories, and we give it all to bring that story most authentically.'
The Film and Its Cast
Yash will portray demon king Ravana in director Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious two-part adaptation. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha. Producer Namit Malhotra is backing the project.
Notably, this is among the most high-profile mythological productions in Indian cinema in recent years, with a cast and scale that signals a deliberate attempt to match global franchise-style storytelling.
Release Timeline and Trailer Launch
Ramayana is planned as a two-part release, with the first installment arriving during Diwali 2026 and the second part scheduled for Diwali 2027. The grand trailer launch took place in Delhi on 18 July, drawing a star-studded gathering that included Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Karan Johar, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, sitar maestro Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, and Swami Ramdev, among others.
What's Next for Yash
Beyond Ramayana, Yash is set to appear in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on 26 August. The film adds to a packed slate for the KGF star as he transitions into pan-India mythological territory.
Point of View
And any perceived deviation from the source invites fierce public scrutiny. Whether intent alone can carry a two-part, multi-year release strategy will depend on execution — and on whether Indian audiences, who have grown up with Ramanand Sagar's definitive television version, are willing to accept a cinematic reimagining at this scale.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yash playing in the Ramayana film?
Yash plays the demon king Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's two-part adaptation of Ramayana. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita.
When will the Ramayana movie release?
The first part of Ramayana is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026, with the second part slated for Diwali 2027.
What did Yash say about making Ramayana?
Yash said that 'right intent' was the most important factor behind the film, adding that starting with the right intent helped the team navigate the technical and creative demands of the production, including complex make-up and look challenges.
Where was the Ramayana trailer launched?
The Ramayana trailer was launched in Delhi on 18 July at a star-studded event attended by the principal cast, director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and several other prominent figures from Indian cinema.
What is Yash's next film after Ramayana?
Yash will next be seen in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, which is set for a theatrical release on 26 August.
