Aarya Babbar Weighs In: Is Yash's Ravana a Fresh Take or Just KGF Rehash?

The portrayal of Ravana in Indian cinema has sparked a lively debate, especially after Aarya Babbar's recent comments. He defended Saif Ali Khan's performance in Adipurush while expressing concerns about Yash's upcoming role in Ramayan. Babbar, who plays Ravana in a stage production, emphasizes the need for a unique interpretation of this iconic character. With Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayan set to release in 2026, audiences are eager to see how the film balances traditional elements with modern storytelling. Will Yash's portrayal offer something fresh, or will it echo his previous roles? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 14, 2026, 14:42 IST

The Ongoing Debate on Ravana's Portrayal

The discussion about how the demon king Ravana is depicted in Indian films has gained momentum, particularly after actor Aarya Babbar shared his thoughts. In a recent conversation, Babbar defended Saif Ali Khan's portrayal in the film Adipurush, which had drawn considerable backlash from audiences. He pointed out that an actor's performance is largely shaped by the director's vision, suggesting that Khan's interpretation was a reflection of the filmmaker's unique perspective.

On the other hand, Babbar expressed some concerns regarding Yash, who is set to portray Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's eagerly awaited adaptation of Ramayan. While he acknowledged that it might be too early to form a complete opinion before the film's release, he remarked that Yash's look closely resembles his character from the KGF series. Babbar questioned whether this aesthetic would bring anything innovative to the character, expressing a desire for a more distinct transformation for such an iconic mythological figure.

Insights on Cinematic Interpretations

Babbar, who currently plays Ravana in the stage production Mahabali, highlighted that his interpretation is deliberately different from those seen in Adipurush and the upcoming Ramayan. He praised Khan's performance in Adipurush as fitting within the director's vision but expressed curiosity about whether Yash could present a portrayal that goes beyond his established on-screen identity. Babbar hopes that the final film will showcase a new dimension of the actor that doesn't echo his previous roles.

Anticipation for the Upcoming Epic

Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious retelling of Ramayan is currently one of the most talked-about projects in the film industry. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, and it is being developed as a two-part series with a substantial budget. The first part is set to hit theaters on November 5, 2026. As the project progresses, both industry insiders and audiences are keenly observing how the cast will merge traditional mythological elements with contemporary storytelling techniques.