Why Ranbir Kapoor and Yash Will Barely Share Screen Time in Ramayana

Why Ranbir Kapoor & Yash Will Barely Share Screen Time in Ramayana And Why That’s a Brilliant Creative Move

Namit Malhotra’s magnum opus Ramayana is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious and anticipated films. Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari and backed by cuttingedge VFX, massive sets, and a powerhouse cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Raavan, and Sai Pallavi as Sita, the film promises to deliver an immersive retelling of the ancient epic. But in a bold narrative decision, the film’s two biggest stars Ranbir and Yash will rarely appear together on screen.

This creative choice isn’t just surprising it’s faithful. According to insiders, the decision stems from a deep respect for the original Valmiki Ramayana, where Lord Ram and Raavan lead parallel journeys for much of the story, only confronting each other in the final act. “Their lives unfold in different realms until fate brings them together in Lanka,” a source close to the production shared. “Ram only learns of Raavan after the abduction of Sita, and their meeting is saved for the epic climax.”

By keeping Ram and Raavan apart until the decisive battle, the film heightens the emotional and narrative stakes. Ram’s path of righteousness and Raavan’s descent into arrogance evolve independently, allowing both arcs to breathe and deepen. Their eventual confrontation, then, becomes not just a clash of characters, but of ideologies dharma versus ego, virtue versus ambition.

Yash, who portrays Raavan, will be seen sharing screen space with Sai Pallavi’s Sita and Sunny Deol’s Hanuman, while scenes featuring both him and Ranbir remain minimal, if any. Ranbir, currently juggling commitments for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, has already wrapped his portions for Ramayana, adhering to a specific look that restricts further reshoots or overlaps. Meanwhile, Yash began filming his sequences in early May, after seeking blessings at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain.

Production is underway on massive sets, with Ramayana being envisioned as a twopart cinematic event. The first installment is slated for a grand Diwali 2026 release, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

In an era where multistar vehicles often bank on fan service and star powerpacked faceoffs, Ramayana dares to go against the grain. By staying true to the soul of the source material and focusing on layered storytelling, the makers are crafting a retelling that’s not just visually grand but emotionally rich. This restrained approach reflects a commitment to authenticity a choice that could very well make Ramayana the most definitive mythological adaptation in Indian cinema.

With Namit Malhotra producing, and an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, Ramayana aims to be more than just a film it’s poised to be a cultural milestone.