Yash Returns After 4 Years: KGF Star to Play Ravana in ₹4000 Crore 'Ramayana'

Nitesh Tiwari's directorial 'Ramayana' has been consistently making headlines, while the first part of the film is scheduled to hit theaters on the occasion of Diwali 2026. Kannada superstar Yash will also be seen in this film, marking his return to the big screen after a gap of 4 years. 'Ramayana' is one of the most talked-about films of the year due to its massive star cast and unprecedented budget.

India's Most Expensive Film and Grand Star Cast

The film is being produced in two parts, with the makers spending a staggering amount of ₹4000 crore. This makes it India's most expensive film to date, while a few days ago, the makers released the first glimpse of the film, showcasing its grand scale. Ranbir Kapoor will portray the role of Ram, while Sai Pallavi will be seen as Sita, while apart from Ranbir and Sai, Kannada actor Yash will play the role of Lankapati Ravana. Yash is returning to the big screen after 4 years; he was last seen in 'KGF: Chapter 2' released in 2022, which established him as a Pan-India star.

KGF: Chapter 2 Historical Success and ₹1200 Crore Collection

Yash is among those stars whose films are eagerly awaited by the audience. 'KGF: Chapter 2', released on April 14, 2022, created a storm at the box office. Directed by Prashanth Neel, this Kannada film featured Yash in the powerful role of Rocky Bhai, alongside Sanjay Dutt's menacing avatar and spectacular action sequences. The film was dubbed in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi, becoming a Pan-India blockbuster. With a runtime of 2 hours and 46 minutes, it earned over ₹1200 crore worldwide.

Challenges and Legal Controversies of KGF 2

'KGF: Chapter 2' faced several challenges before its release. It was initially planned for a Dussehra 2020 release, but due to the pandemic, the release was repeatedly postponed until it finally arrived on April 14, 2022. Despite the delay, it received a tremendous response, largely due to the success of 'KGF: Chapter 1' (2018). During the shooting, the Karnataka Anti-Tobacco Cell issued a notice to Yash, producer Vijay Kiragandur, and Prashanth Neel because anti-smoking warnings weren't displayed during Yash's smoking scenes.

Box Office Records and Yash's Role in Ramayana

On its opening day, KGF: Chapter 2 earned over ₹134 crore in India. The Hindi version alone set a record by earning ₹53-54 crore. In just two days, it surpassed the lifetime collection of Chapter 1. Globally, it entered the ₹1,200-1,250 crore club, becoming the third highest-grossing Indian film at the time. It was also the first Kannada film to be released in IMAX. In Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana', Yash plays Ravana, but he has confirmed that he has no scenes with Ranbir Kapoor in the first part. Speaking to international media during CinemaCon 2026, Yash stated, 'Interestingly, we don't have scenes together in the first part of this film. As everyone knows, this film is being made in two parts.