Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana Part 1’ has barely hit theatres, yet the loudest conversation isn’t about Lord Rama. It’s about Ravana. Yash’s portrayal is the film’s most talked-about element, and the internet is firmly divided.

To advertise here,

One user wrote, “WHAT IS THIS MADNESS FOR YASH AS RAVANA?” It could be read as awe or alarm, and both camps claimed it.

Also Read

placeholder

Indian Idol fame Amritha Rajan on her ‘Ramayana’ debut with AR Rahman: 'I'm still processing'

placeholder

'Kun Faya Kun' in 'Ramayana'? AR Rahman's 'Mangal Rang' divides internet

placeholder

18 months, 4500 pieces: Here’s what makes ‘Ramayana’ jewellery special

Others were blunt: “This is what they have done. Misleading an entire generation through the glorification of Ravana. Shame on Bollywood. Altering or presenting a selective narrative is not good for an epic. Anti-Hindu, adharmic Ravana propaganda.”

Also Read: ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ review: A visual triumph that needed tighter editing 

Another said their fears had come true, “Exactly what I doubted from day one came true. Total Ravana glorification in the film. It’s over, bro.”

A fourth pointed to the balance of power on screen, “It seems in the name of #Ramayana they made #Ravana. Everyone is talking about the glorification of #Ravana. The character of #Yash overshadowed #RanbirKapor completely. I was always concerned that #RanbirKapor can’t justify the character of Lord #Rama.”

The villain problem

A charismatic antagonist can easily eclipse the hero. Supporters say a towering Ravana makes Rama’s victory mean more. Critics say an epic of this religious weight shouldn’t tilt the spotlight toward the demon king. Yash, who also co-produces through Monster Mind Creations, has credited producer Namit Malhotra for the chance to play Raavan, which also pushed him to learn Hindi.

Audiences are turning up regardless. The film earned Rs 64.85 crore net in India on day one, per Sacnilk, with a worldwide gross of Rs 127.50 crore. 

About the film

Mounted on a reported Rs 4,000 crore, ‘Ramayana Part 1’ opened on November 5, 2026, ahead of Diwali, while Part 2 is slated for Diwali 2028.

Also Read: ‘Most breathtaking scene’: Yash’s Ravana-Jatayu fight becomes ‘Ramayana’s biggest talking point 

Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, Sai Pallavi is Sita, Yash is Ravana, Sunny Deol is Hanuman and Ravi Dubey is Lakshmana.

The score comes from A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer, in their first-ever collaboration.