Yash As Ravana Sets a New Benchmark
The complex character who is a counterpoint to Lord Rama will always attract attention and debate, says Lagadapati Sridhar
Ever since the trailer of Ramayana was released, social media has been abuzz with comparisons between Yash’s portrayal of Ravana and Saif Ali Khan’s interpretation in Adipurush. Though Yash appears only briefly in the trailer, his commanding screen presence and regal appearance have generated widespread appreciation.
Yash’s imposing body language, and restrained intensity have struck a chord with viewers. In contrast, Saif Ali Khan’s version faced criticism over character design and creative interpretation.
Many users have observed through memes and fan edits that Yash’s portrayal appears more rooted in mythology, while Saif’s look was perceived as taking excessive creative liberties.
“Yash is undoubtedly trending, and his Ravana avatar has stunned netizens,” says producer Lagadapati Sridhar. “Epics like Ramayana are meant to reflect different shades of human nature —what to emulate and what to avoid. Ravana is not merely a villain. He is a complex personality — a fearless warrior, an extraordinary scholar, and a devout follower of Lord Shiva. He represents shades of white, grey, and black.” He stresses that the character will always invite debate.
Sridhar has taken in his stride the criticism by a section of the audience that the demon king had been glorified, describing it as inevitable. “For generations, Ravana has been viewed as the ultimate symbol of evil. Every year, during Dussehra, we burn his effigies to celebrate the triumph of Good over Evil. Naturally, people continue to see him only as the embodiment of evil,” he explains.
He sees the contrast between Lord Rama and Ravana as the core of the Ramayana, with the former representing righteousness and ideal conduct, while Ravana serves as a cautionary example despite his many admirable qualities.
Recalling Telugu cinema’s rich legacy, Sridhar points to N.T. Rama Rao’s iconic performances in Seetha Rama Kalyanam and Bhookailas. “NTR garu portrayed Ravana not just as a villain but as a great devotee of Lord Shiva. His nuanced performance showed the many dimensions of the character and remains unforgettable even today,” Sridhar says.
Rakul Preet Singh, trending as a glamorous Surpanaka, also delivered a big surprise. Both Ravana and Surpanaka are tainted, yet stars are making them relatable. “Definitely, good-looking stars add more value to the role they play and receive due appreciation. Tainted or otherwise, these characters are etched in the minds of the audience and are bound to strike a chord,” he sums up.
