Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 19: The promotional campaign for director Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited epic Ramayana commenced on a grand note in New Delhi on Saturday, with actor Yash saying the film is driven by a shared vision to present the story of Lord Ram to audiences across the world.

The launch event, titled Ramayana: Pratham Sankalp, was held at Bharat Mandapam and attended by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Yash greeted the audience in several Indian languages before thanking producer Namit Malhotra for backing a project of such scale and entrusting him with the role of Ravana.

"I am genuinely happy to be part of this wonderful project. The credit for bringing it to this stage belongs to Namit Malhotra. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to play such a significant character," he said.

Describing Ramayana as "India's dream", Yash said the film was far bigger than any individual actor.

"We have all come together with one vision and one conviction: to take this story to a global platform. Everyone has kept their individual interests aside. There is only one shared interest, which is to tell the story of Prabhu Shri Ram to audiences around the world and celebrate him in our own country," he said.

He also acknowledged the courage required to mount a project of such magnitude and credited Malhotra for making it possible.

Yash thanked director Nitesh Tiwari for helping him prepare for the challenging role of Ravana.

"Nitesh sir, thank you for guiding me, understanding what the character required, answering my questions and helping me do this," he said.

Apart from portraying Ravana, Yash is also co-producing the film through his banner, Monster Mind Creations, in association with Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios.

Praising his co-stars, Yash said Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram, had delivered an exceptional performance.

"Ranbir has been phenomenal. I think the whole of India will understand how deeply he has surrendered to this role and see the magic he has created," he said.

He described Sai Pallavi, who portrays Sita, as a "flawless actor", adding, "When you see her perform, her eyes say everything."

Yash also praised veteran actor Shobana for bringing grace and dignity to her role and said Ravie Dubey, who essays Lakshman, would emerge as one of the film's biggest surprises.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Arun Govil as King Dasharath.

The two-part epic is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, with the film's first trailer set to be unveiled globally on July 24.