Ranbir Kapoor & Yash Talk About Becoming Ram & Ravana in Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana | Comic Con 2026

For thousands of years, Ramayana has inspired generations across the world. And now, it comes to life as an epic cinematic event for a new generation of moviegoer. Joining IGN at Comic Con 2026 is Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Nitesh Tiwari , and Namit Malhotra to discuss becoming Ram and Ravana and bringing this beloved epic to the big screen.

Presented by Ramayana.

#IGN #SDCC

Ranbir Kapoor & Yash Talk About Becoming Ram & Ravana in Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana | Comic Con 2026

At Comic Con 2026, the energy around Namit Malhotra’s ambitious Ramayana adaptation reached a fever pitch as two of Indian cinema’s brightest stars shared insights that captivated fans and critics alike. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, celebrated both for their versatility and bold choices, offered a rare glimpse into the transformative process behind embodying iconic, opposing figures—Ram, the virtuous hero, and Ravana, the formidable antagonist.

The conversation opened with an acknowledgment of the cultural reverberations surrounding Ramayana in contemporary cinema. Both actors spoke to the responsibility of honoring a centuries-old narrative while infusing it with modern nuance. Ranbir Kapoor emphasized the importance of interiority in his portrayal of Ram: the moral center that sustains his decisions even when faced with impossible choices. He highlighted how patience, restraint, and a steady moral compass become visible through subtle expressions, posture, and internal deliberation rather than overt action.

Yash, discussing Ravana, framed the character as a study in complexity rather than mere antagonism. He described Ravana as a figure shaped by intellect, ambition, and a layered backstory that invites both empathy and critique. The actor stressed the challenge of bringing dimensionality to a villain who embodies both brilliance and fallibility. In his words, Ravana’s power arises not simply from force but from a mindset—one that questions boundaries and pushes the boundaries of authority. This perspective aims to invite audiences to consider the cognitive roots of tragedy and the consequences when power is misused.

Director Namit Malhotra’s vision for Ramayana stands as a contemporary reimagining anchored in ethical inquiry and cinematic grandeur. The project seeks to bridge mythic archetypes with contemporary sensibilities, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of duty, devotion, ambition, and the human costs of power. The performers spoke about the collaborative process that underpins such a reimagining: rigorous research, deep character study, and a willingness to inhabit uncomfortable contrasts that illuminate universal questions about fate, choice, and consequence.

From a production standpoint, the panel touched on the scale and ambition of bringing a modern Ramayana to life. The ensemble shared how production design, music, and choreography would work in tandem to convey the epic’s emotional scope. Costume and prosthetic work were described as transformative tools that help actors inhabit their roles with authenticity while allowing audiences to perceive the myth through a contemporary lens.

Beyond technique, the conversation at Comic Con underscored the enduring relevance of myth in shaping contemporary narrative. The Ramayana, in its enduring form, serves as a mirror for modern dilemmas—ethics in leadership, the tension between personal duty and public accountability, and the human costs of ambition. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash articulated a shared optimism that this adaptation will honor tradition while expanding its resonance for new generations of viewers.

As anticipation builds for Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, fans can expect a tightly woven tapestry of narrative integrity, character-driven drama, and cinematic spectacle. The performances by Ranbir Kapoor and Yash promise to illuminate the nuanced psychology of two archetypes whose timeless contest continues to captivate audiences around the world. The collective voice from the Comic Con stage affirmed a commitment to storytelling that is both reverent of its roots and expansive in its imagination, inviting audiences to engage with the myth in bold, thoughtful, and transformative ways.