Ramayana: Yash’s Powerful Ravana Avatar Takes Centre Stage in Shiv Tandav Stotram
The makers of Ramayana have given audiences a powerful glimpse of Yash as Ravana with a special musical presentation released on the occasion of Dussehra. Titled Rise of Asura in Hindi, the nearly two-minute sequence showcases the actor in an intense avatar as the king of Lanka, highlighting his devotion to Lord Shiva through the Shiv Tandav Stotram.
Released on October 20, 2026, the video has brought renewed attention to Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic. Rather than focusing on a conventional action sequence, the presentation explores Ravana’s spiritual side, combining dramatic visuals, music and an intense performance by Yash. <Cite refs={[“turn510055search0″,”turn510055search1”]}/>
The Dussehra reveal is particularly striking because the festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. By putting Ravana at the centre of the musical presentation, the filmmakers have offered audiences a closer look at one of the epic’s most complex and recognisable characters.
Yash Performs Tandav as Ravana
The newly released video introduces Yash in a commanding portrayal of Ravana. The sequence begins with the character preparing for a ritual, applying a Tripund tilak to his forehead and performing aarti before a massive idol of Lord Shiva.
As the Shiv Tandav Stotram builds, Ravana launches into an intense Tandav performance. The imagery emphasises his strength, determination and devotion, offering a glimpse of the character’s spiritual identity alongside his formidable personality.
Yash’s physical presence and expressive performance are central to the presentation. The sequence aims to establish Ravana as more than a conventional antagonist, exploring the combination of devotion, ambition and power that makes the character significant in the Ramayana tradition.
The musical presentation also provides a preview of the visual style being developed for the film. Its dramatic lighting, grand setting and energetic choreography give the sequence a distinct identity within the larger promotional campaign.
A.R. Rahman, Vishal Dadlani and Kumar Vishwas Join the Musical Presentation
The music is an important part of the new Ramayana reveal.
A.R. Rahman has composed the music for the Hindi presentation, while Dr Kumar Vishwas has written the lyrics and Vishal Dadlani has lent his voice to the Hindi version.
The soundtrack combines the devotional character of the Shiv Tandav Stotram with a cinematic musical arrangement designed to complement Yash’s performance.
The choice of the hymn is significant. Traditionally associated with Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva, the Shiv Tandav Stotram praises the deity through rhythmic Sanskrit verses. Its association with Ravana makes it particularly relevant to a sequence exploring the king of Lanka’s spiritual side.
The musical presentation brings together devotional themes and large-scale film production, giving the character reveal a distinct tone.
Why the Dussehra Release Is Significant
Dussehra occupies a central place in the Ramayana tradition. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and is widely associated with Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana.
Releasing a Ravana-focused musical sequence on this occasion creates an interesting contrast with the festival’s traditional imagery.
Instead of showing only the conflict between Rama and Ravana, the presentation focuses on Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva and his identity as a powerful ruler.
In Hindu traditions, Ravana is often described as a learned scholar and an ardent devotee of Shiva, despite his role as the principal antagonist in the Ramayana narrative. The new sequence draws on this aspect of his character to present a more layered interpretation.
The timing also helps the film maintain visibility as anticipation builds for its theatrical release.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana. Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, while Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman. Sunny Deol is also part of the cast as Hanuman.
The film is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic, bringing together a large ensemble and an ambitious production.
The casting of Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in two of the story’s most prominent roles has been a major point of interest. Rama and Ravana represent opposing forces in the narrative, and their eventual confrontation is expected to be a key element of the adaptation.
For Yash, the role of Ravana represents a significant addition to his filmography, placing him in a character that carries deep cultural and literary significance.
What Makes Ravana an Important Character in the Ramayana?
Ravana is one of the most complex figures in the Ramayana. He is the king of Lanka, a formidable ruler and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.
His character combines intelligence, knowledge, ambition and extraordinary power with decisions that ultimately bring about his downfall.
This combination has made Ravana a compelling figure in literature, theatre, television and cinema for generations. Different retellings have explored various aspects of his personality, from his scholarship and devotion to his pride and conflict with Rama.
The Shiv Tandav Stotram sequence places particular emphasis on Ravana’s relationship with Shiva. By highlighting his devotion, the presentation offers audiences a glimpse of the spiritual dimension of his character.
How fully the film explores these different qualities will become clearer when the complete story reaches theatres.
Ramayana Release Date and Latest Update
The new musical presentation is part of the promotional campaign for the upcoming Ramayana adaptation.
According to India Today’s October 20 report, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. The project is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, with Yash also associated with the production through Monster Mind Creations. <Cite refs={[“turn510055search0″,”turn510055search1”]}/>
The production combines Indian mythological storytelling with a large-scale cinematic approach. Its cast, music and visual presentation have kept the film in the spotlight as audiences await further promotional material.
The release of the Ravana Tandav sequence adds another element to the campaign, placing Yash’s character at the centre of attention.
Conclusion
Yash’s portrayal of Ravana in the new Ramayana Shiv Tandav Stotram presentation offers a dramatic glimpse of the character ahead of the film’s theatrical release.
Unveiled on Dussehra, the sequence combines the actor’s intense screen presence with a musical celebration of Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva. With music by A.R. Rahman, lyrics by Dr Kumar Vishwas and vocals by Vishal Dadlani, the presentation brings together several prominent names from the Indian entertainment industry.
As anticipation builds for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, audiences now have a closer look at Yash’s interpretation of the king of Lanka. The film’s eventual portrayal of the relationship between Rama and Ravana will be one of its most closely watched elements.

