Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated Ramayana continues to attract attention ahead of its release, with the casting of Yash as Ravana remaining one of the most discussed aspects of the ambitious project.
At a recent promotional event attended by YouTuber MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, producer Namit Malhotra spoke about the significance of Ravana as a character and explained why he believed Yash was the right person to take on the role.
Malhotra also highlighted Yash’s contribution to the project as a producer and revealed that he is collaborating with MrBeast on another film, Angry Birds 3.
Namit Malhotra Explains What Ravana Represents
Discussing Ravana beyond the traditional description of the character, Namit Malhotra said the figure represents a particular human tendency that can emerge when ambition and power begin to overwhelm compassion and restraint.
“Ravana symbolizes that force, that energy, that aspect in all of us that resides in our consciousness when we get overtaken by greed, power and the ability to control everything; we lose the goodness, the compassion and the ability to sacrifice,” Malhotra said.
He added that Ravana’s story also serves as a reminder that achieving power and success should not mean losing sight of one’s values or origins.
“All of us should always remember that whenever we are on the path to achieving great things, we must never forget where we came from,” he said.
According to Malhotra, this was one of the mistakes that ultimately contributed to Ravana’s downfall within the epic narrative.
“And that’s one mistake that Ravana made, which brought his downfall, when he had all the power, all the strength in the world,” he added.
Namit Malhotra Calls Yash a “Pillar of Support”
Yash was not present at the promotional event, but Malhotra used the occasion to praise the actor’s involvement in Ramayana.
“Yash could not make it. He is absolutely a superstar playing the role of Ravana,” Malhotra said.
He explained that the production needed an actor who could bring both the screen presence and commitment required for such a significant character while also standing behind the larger ambition of the film.
“One of the things that I must state is that when this film had to be made, I needed someone like him to really have the ability to stand there and become this pillar of support,” he said.
Yash Also Supports Ramayana as a Producer
Malhotra further pointed to the difficulty of portraying Ravana, a character with a deeply established place in Indian mythology and the Ramayana tradition.
He said Yash’s decision to come on board as a producer was an important part of the project’s journey.
“Because to play Ravana, who is so disliked, it took someone like him to have the courage to come on board as a producer and really support our aspiration of making ‘Ramayana’ not just to make every Indian proud, but also to take it to the entire world,” Malhotra said.
He added that the film’s international ambition was central to the team’s approach.
“And that’s what we’re doing. We miss you, Yash. I hope you’re feeling better, but this journey would not be complete without you,” Malhotra added.
Namit Malhotra Reveals MrBeast Connection to Angry Birds 3
The event also produced an unexpected announcement involving MrBeast.
Malhotra revealed that he and Jimmy Donaldson are collaborating on another project, Angry Birds 3, which he said they are producing.
“And for all of you who also, you know, may not know, in fact, I just spoke with MrBeast. We’re also collaborating on another film called ‘Angry Birds 3,’ which we’re producing,” Malhotra said.
MrBeast appeared surprised by the revelation and responded, “I didn’t even know till we met today that we were actually working together.”
Malhotra responded jokingly, “I think it’s called destiny.”
The exchange added an unexpected international dimension to the event, connecting the Ramayana promotional campaign with Donaldson’s involvement in another major entertainment project.
Ramayana Part 1 Release Date
According to the supplied report, Ramayana Part 1 is scheduled to release in Indian theatres on November 8, 2026, around Diwali, while its worldwide release is planned for November 6.
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Ravi Dubey as Laxman.
With its large-scale production, major cast and international ambitions, Ramayana is being positioned as a project designed to reach audiences beyond India as well.
Yash’s portrayal of Ravana is among the film’s most anticipated elements, while Malhotra’s latest comments offer a glimpse into how the makers view the character and the actor’s contribution to the project.