No Face-Off Yet: Yash Confirms No Scenes with Ranbir Kapoor in Ramayana: Part 1

The much-anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana continues to generate intrigue, and the latest revelation only adds to the curiosity surrounding the film. Actor Yash has confirmed that he does not share any screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.

Speaking during an interaction with international media at CinemaCon 2026, Yash revealed that the narrative structure of the first instalment keeps their characters  Ravana and Rama  in separate arcs. “Interestingly, we both have never come together on screen in this film. As you all know, it’s a two-part film. In the first part, Ravana has his own kingdom, and Rama has his own kingdom,” he said.

The absence of a direct face-off between the two central characters in the first film suggests a deliberate narrative build-up, likely setting the stage for a larger confrontation in the sequel. While their on-screen interaction is reserved for later, Yash emphasised the mutual respect shared between the two actors off-screen. He described Ranbir Kapoor as a “fabulous actor” and noted that the cast is aligned in its ambition to present the story on an epic scale.

Director Nitesh Tiwari’s vision for the film also appears to reimagine familiar characterisations. Yash’s portrayal of Ravana, for instance, is said to move beyond the traditional depiction of a straightforward antagonist. Ranbir Kapoor, too, has spoken about Yash’s casting, noting that the role demands an actor with a commanding presence and distinct aura.

Backed by producer Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 brings together a sprawling ensemble cast, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film is being positioned as a global spectacle and is slated for a Diwali 2026 release.

The decision to keep Rama and Ravana apart in the first instalment may come as a surprise to some, but it reflects a storytelling approach that prioritises character development and world-building before the eventual clash. For audiences, it also means that the most anticipated confrontation of the epic could be reserved for the second chapter, adding to the scale and stakes of the franchise.