'Ramayana' star Yash defends epic's global vision: 'We have global ambitions'

Actor Yash has addressed the conversations around the scale and style of the upcoming film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. Speaking at CinemaCon, Yash defended the film’s international approach, especially its attempt to appeal to a global audience.

The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana, is being mounted on a large scale and is aimed beyond just Indian viewers. The makers have repeatedly stressed that the project is designed for worldwide audiences ,“Meant for the World”.

As per Hindustan Times, Producer Namit Malhotra explained the broader vision of the film, calling it “the best of East and West.” He said the movie would combine elements of fantasy and human drama while drawing inspiration from large-scale international productions.

“It will promise a very different experience, unlike anything that traditional Indian movies offer or even Hollywood, for that matter. It's meant for the world, and it's got the best of the East and the best of the West coming together to make it happen,” he said to Hindustan Times.

This approach reflects the makers’ ambition to position Ramayana as a global cinematic spectacle rather than a region-specific retelling.

Yash responds to western-style criticism

Yash addressed concerns that the film may appear too “Western” in its storytelling or visual presentation. He suggested that the intention is not to dilute the original story but to present it in a way that connects with audiences across cultures. The actor emphasised that storytelling formats evolve, especially when films are made for an international audience. The team is trying to ensure that the narrative remains rooted while still being accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the epic.

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The film is being developed with a strong emphasis on visual effects and cinematic scale. The makers are collaborating with top global VFX studios to deliver a polished experience.

According to Hindustan Times, Yash expressed confidence in the final output, saying that the work is still in progress and will improve as it nears completion. He noted that the team is committed to making the film “top-notch” and ensuring that audiences get a refined visual experience.

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The larger goal of Ramayana is to present an Indian epic in a format that resonates internationally. The film blends mythology with cinematic storytelling techniques often seen in global blockbusters. The makers are also working to add depth to characters. Yash, who plays Ravana, has indicated that the role will be portrayed with layers, making it easier for audiences worldwide to relate to the character.

Ambitious two-part project

Ramayana is planned as a two-part film. The first instalment is expected to be released during Diwali 2026, with the second part scheduled for 2027. With a large ensemble cast and a high production scale, the film has already generated significant attention. It is being positioned as one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema.