On the occasion of Dussehra, the makers of the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana offered audiences a powerful new glimpse of Yash in the role of Ravana. The specially released musical sequence, titled Rise of Asura in Hindi, presents the actor in a commanding and intense transformation that highlights both the character’s formidable presence and his deep devotion to Lord Shiva. With the film preparing for its worldwide theatrical release on 5 November, the Dussehra unveil has added fresh momentum to the promotional campaign while advance bookings opened across India.
The nearly two-minute video centres on a dramatic ritual and dance sequence set to the Shiv Tandav Stotram. It opens with Ravana cutting his palm with a dagger and applying a Tripund tilak to his forehead. He then performs aarti before a massive idol of Lord Shiva before launching into the energetic Tandav. The performance is intercut with montage shots that emphasise the scale of the character and the visual ambition of the production.
Drawing from Mythology and Devotion
In Hindu tradition, Ravana is remembered not only as the powerful ruler of Lanka but also as a great devotee of Lord Shiva. The Shiv Tandav Stotram, a hymn associated with the cosmic dance of Shiva, has long been linked to Ravana in popular and classical tellings of the epic. The Tandav itself symbolises the cycles of creation, preservation and destruction. By placing Yash’s Ravana within this framework, the sequence connects the character’s intensity and power to a spiritual dimension rather than presenting him solely as an antagonist.
The choice of Dussehra for the release carries its own significance. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Releasing a sequence that celebrates Ravana’s devotion and strength on the same day creates a striking contrast and underscores the complexity the filmmakers aim to bring to the character.
Musical Collaboration and Multilingual Reach
The track is composed by A.R. Rahman, with lyrics by Dr. Kumar Vishwas and vocals by Vishal Dadlani in the Hindi version. The sequence has been released in multiple languages, with titles such as Ravana Tandava in Kannada and Ravana Tandavam in Tamil and Telugu, reflecting the film’s pan-Indian ambitions. Different vocalists contribute to the regional versions, allowing the piece to resonate across linguistic audiences while retaining the core intensity of the performance.
The collaboration brings together established names in Indian music and poetry, lending the sequence both sonic weight and cultural familiarity. The rhythmic drive of the Stotram, combined with Rahman’s composition and the visual scale of the production, aims to create a memorable introduction to Yash’s interpretation of the role.
Yash’s Transformation and Screen Presence
Yash, known for his commanding screen presence in films that have reached wide audiences, steps into one of the most iconic antagonistic roles in Indian storytelling. The sequence showcases an imposing physicality, intense expressions and a sense of controlled power. Viewers see him both in ritualistic preparation and in the full flow of the Tandav, offering an early indication of how the character will be visualised and performed.
The film itself is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced under Namit Malhotra’s banner, with involvement from Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The principal cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, among others. The project is planned as a two-part adaptation, with the first instalment scheduled for release on 5 November 2026 and the second targeted for Diwali 2027.
Building Anticipation for a Large-Scale Epic
The Dussehra release of the Ravana sequence forms part of a carefully timed promotional strategy. Advance bookings opened on the same day, giving audiences the opportunity to secure tickets as interest builds. The film is positioned as a large-scale cinematic retelling of the epic, with significant attention paid to visual effects, production design and multilingual accessibility.
By focusing on Ravana’s devotion and the ritualistic power of the Tandav, the makers have chosen to introduce the character through one of his most celebrated mythological associations. This approach allows the sequence to stand as both a promotional highlight and a thematic statement about the layered portrayal the film intends to offer.
Yash’s performance in the unit has drawn attention for its energy and commitment. The combination of physical intensity, ritual detail and the familiar power of the Shiv Tandav Stotram creates a striking first major look at the character. As the release date approaches, the sequence serves as a reminder of the cultural weight the story carries and the expectations surrounding a contemporary cinematic interpretation of the Ramayana.
With the film set for a worldwide release in multiple languages and premium formats, the Dussehra unveil of Rise of Asura has given audiences a vivid sense of the scale and intensity that Yash brings to the role of Ravana. The sequence stands as both a celebration of mythological tradition and a bold promotional statement ahead of the November premiere.
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