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As the highly anticipated Ramayana adaptation by Nitesh Tiwari inches closer to its Diwali 2026 release for Part 1, online chatter has swirled around potential tension between leads Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Ram) and Yash (Ravana).
Speculation suggests Ranbir might feel overshadowed by Yash’s commanding presence, known from blockbusters like KGF.
But a closer look at reliable sources reveals this as a baseless fan-fueled rumour, with no statements from the actors indicating discord.
Instead, insights point to a collaborative, positive set environment amid a massive project aiming to globalise the epic.
The Origin Of The ‘Overshadowing’ Narrative
The rumours kicked off in July 2025 following the film’s teaser release, which showcased stunning VFX and glimpses of the cast.
Social media erupted with fans debating the dynamics, many praising Yash’s intense aura while questioning if it would eclipse Ranbir’s subtler portrayal.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), posts claimed “Yash will overshadow Ranbir in Ramayana,” with some attributing it to Ranbir’s PR targeting Yash out of fear.
Similar sentiments echoed in fan discussions, such as “YashBOSS Ramayana me overshadow kar diya Ranbir Kapoor ko,” highlighting tribal loyalties between Bollywood and South Indian cinema fandoms.
Media outlets captured this online frenzy. For instance, after the teaser, internet users felt Yash’s Ravana might dominate, with comments like “Prabhu Ram should have been someone else” to avoid being overshadowed.
These reactions stem from Yash’s proven track record in high-octane roles, contrasting Ranbir’s nuanced acting style seen in films like Sanju.
However, no reports confirm Ranbir expressing unhappiness; it is all speculative hype amplifying pre-release excitement.
Positive On-Set Dynamics From Insider Accounts
Countering the rumors, co-star Ravie Dubey (Lakshman) provided glowing insights in an October 2025 interview.
He described Ranbir as “quiet, graceful, and deeply committed,” noting personal sacrifices like altering his routine to embody Lord Ram authentically.
Yash, meanwhile, was called “extremely friendly, warm, and genuine,” with both actors sharing “kind-hearted” traits despite their characters’ opposition.
Dubey likened the production to a “yagya” (sacred ritual), emphasising a seamless, chaos-free set under Tiwari’s direction, and no hints of rivalry surfaced.
This harmony aligns with the project’s spiritual ethos, as producer Namit Malhotra and spiritual leader Sadhguru have defended the casting against unrelated backlash.
The ensemble, including Sai Pallavi (Sita) and Sunny Deol (Hanuman), focuses on authenticity over competition.
Project Updates And Why Rumors Persist
Recent developments show Ramayana on track, though Part 2’s shooting, initially set for August 2025, was deferred to January 2026 due to the stars’ busy schedules, Ranbir with upcoming films and Yash balancing commitments.
The ₹835 crore budget underscores its scale, with music by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer adding global appeal.
A new 3D promo recently debuted in theatres alongside Avatar: Fire and Ash, building anticipation without drama.
Why do such rumours thrive? In an era of fan wars, social media amplifies comparisons, often pitting regional stars against each other for clicks.
Our analysis: This overlooks the collaborative nature of ensemble epics, where strong antagonists like Yash’s Ravana enhance the hero’s arc.
Historically, similar buzz surrounded films like Baahubali, but success silenced sceptics.
For Ramayana, the real story is its potential to unite audiences worldwide, not divide its cast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is zero credible evidence of Ranbir’s discontent.
As Diwali 2026 approaches, expect powerful performances that celebrate the epic’s themes of duty and balance, proving teamwork trumps overshadowing.
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