Indian cinema is set to witness a groundbreaking moment as actor-producer Yash officially begins shooting for one of its most ambitious projects to date — Ramayana.
With principal photography now underway, this mythological mega-production is shaping up to be an event unlike anything Bollywood has seen before.
Backed by Yash’s Monster Mind Creations and Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, the film is not just a retelling of the iconic Indian epic, but a reimagining crafted for a global cinematic scale. This adaptation is being brought to life under the direction of Nitesh Tiwari, known for his record-breaking hit Dangal, the highest-grossing Indian film of all time.
A Visionary Team Behind the Myth
One of the most exciting revelations about the project is the involvement of Guy Norris, the internationally acclaimed stunt director renowned for his work in Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and The Suicide Squad. His inclusion signals the filmmakers’ intent to set a new benchmark for action choreography in Indian films.
Norris is already on the ground in India, collaborating closely with Yash to design action sequences that match the larger-than-life scale of the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered and dramatic mythological texts. From high-octane battle scenes to choreographed duels steeped in lore, the stunt work is expected to be cinematic, stylized, and deeply rooted in storytelling.
Yash Takes On the Role of Ravana
Yash, best known globally for his blockbuster K.G.F. series, is stepping into one of the most iconic and complex roles in Indian mythology — Ravana, the powerful demon king. The actor has reportedly undergone intense physical preparation for the role, and first-look images show him in peak condition, embodying the formidable presence of the antagonist.
Yash is expected to commit 60–70 days to filming his portions for Ramayana Part 1, indicating a performance-heavy role that will go beyond just visual flair. The actor’s evolution from Rocky Bhai to Ravana marks a significant shift in his career — from mass action hero to a layered mythological character.
A Two-Part Epic Set Across Diwali 2026 and 2027
Ramayana is being envisioned as a two-part film, with the first installment targeting a Diwali 2026 release and the second following a year later during Diwali 2027. This strategic release schedule taps into the festive family-viewing audience and allows the filmmakers to build anticipation between parts, much like major global franchises such as Lord of the Rings or Dune.
The story of Ramayana is known across generations in India — it follows Prince Rama, who is exiled for 14 years, during which his wife Sita is abducted by Ravana, leading to a divine and climactic war. But this adaptation aims not just to retell the tale but to reimagine it cinematically, with cutting-edge VFX and storytelling that bridges Indian tradition with contemporary filmmaking.
Ranbir Kapoor Joins the Cast
Though Yash takes on the menacing role of Ravana, the film also stars Ranbir Kapoor, reportedly playing the heroic lead, Rama. The pairing of Yash and Ranbir is already generating immense buzz — two powerhouse actors with very different energies facing off in an epic of moral and mythological proportions.
VFX Powerhouse and Oscar-Winning Talent
Another exciting factor? The visual effects will be overseen by Prime Focus Studios, with Namit Malhotra at the helm. Malhotra, who is also the global CEO of DNEG, has been part of several Oscar-winning VFX projects, including Dune: Part One and Tenet. This means audiences can expect a visual spectacle — a film where mythological themes meet modern execution.
This marks a significant moment for Indian cinema as it positions itself on the global map not just with storytelling, but with technical sophistication and international collaboration.
Legacy of Ramayana on Screen
This isn't the first time Ramayana has been adapted for the screen. From Ramanand Sagar’s legendary 1987 TV series, to the Japanese anime classic in 1993, and most recently, the controversial 2023 film Adipurush starring Prabhas — each adaptation has tried to capture the grandeur and spiritual depth of the epic. However, none have yet managed to align visual spectacle with faithful narrative execution on the scale this project promises.
Given the pedigree of the team involved — from direction, cast, and action design to VFX — Ramayana may finally get the treatment fans have long hoped for.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As production continues, more details are expected to emerge about the full cast (Sita’s role is still unconfirmed), musical composition, and how the narrative will be structured across two films. What’s clear is that this isn’t just a film — it’s a cultural moment in the making.
Yash’s move from pan-India action star to mythological icon, combined with global talent like Guy Norris and the VFX legacy of Prime Focus, is setting the stage for a cinematic experience that could redefine what Indian epics look like on screen.
With Ramayana, Indian cinema isn’t just telling an old story. It’s rewriting the rules of how it's told.
