At CinemaCon 2026, Yash, the star of the K.G.F. franchise, sat down with Collider's Steve Weintraub to talk about his role in the highly anticipated two-part epic Ramayana. The film, which brings the 5,000-year-old Indian story to IMAX, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as the formidable demon king Ravana. For Yash, stepping into the sandals of such a legendary antagonist comes with immense weight.
“It’s a huge pressure,” Yash admitted. “This story has been part of our culture for millennia. Everyone knows Ravana, but I wanted to bring something new, to show his complexity beyond just being a villain.” He emphasized that his portrayal aims to explore Ravana’s ego, vengeance, and the tragic dimensions that make him more than a one-dimensional foe.
The actor revealed his preparation process involved deep research into the character’s mythology and psychology. “I read different versions of the Ramayana, studied his motivations, and worked with the director Nitesh Tiwari to find a balance between the demon and the scholar,” Yash explained. The result, he hopes, will surprise audiences who expect a typical antagonist.
Beyond the character work, Yash teased the visual spectacle of Ramayana. “It’s built for IMAX. The scale is unlike anything we’ve done before. The battles, the sets, the VFX—it’s going to be a global cinematic event,” he said. The two-part structure allows the filmmakers to delve deeper into the story, including the epic clash between Rama and Ravana that has inspired generations.
When asked about his upcoming projects, Yash shifted gears to discuss Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, a gangster film that he describes as “raw and intense.” “It’s a different world from Ramayana, but equally challenging. It’s a fairy tale, but for adults—dark, gritty, and full of surprises,” he teased. The film is expected to showcase Yash in a new light, blending action with emotional depth.
Yash also shared a personal anecdote about meeting fans, recalling a childhood experience where a rude actor turned him off from watching that star’s films. “That taught me to always be kind. When a fan comes to you, you never know how much that moment means to them. I try to be the best version of myself, because how they remember me could last a lifetime.”
As for Ramayana, Yash is confident that Western audiences will connect with the universal themes of duty, honor, and the struggle between good and evil. “It’s not just an Indian story—it’s a story about humanity. Everyone faces challenges, and Rama’s journey is about how to conduct yourself with grace. That’s something everyone can relate to.”
With Ramayana set to release later this year and Toxic on the horizon, Yash is poised for a global breakout. For now, he’s focused on delivering a performance that honors the epic while making it his own. “I want people to see Ravana and think, ‘That’s Yash’s Ravana.’ That’s the goal.”
