Taking the stage in his home turf for the grand international trailer launch of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, Rocking Star Yash addressed went far beyond typical promotional talk. The actor, who stars as King Ravana and co-produces the two-part mythological saga under Monster Mind Creations alongside Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, called out social media comparisons and regional factionalism.
Speaking directly about the cynicism that often surrounds big film projects, Yash pointed out that internal fights only weaken the industry on the world stage.
"I see people on social media constantly debating—saying the VFX looks like this, the music is like that, or that this actor should have done that role. Whenever we try to step out and make a mark globally, we start fighting internally," Yash said. "This is exactly what the British did to us: divide and rule. If we sit and fight internally like divide and rule, we will never be able to challenge the world."
The actor stressed that an epic like the Ramayana belongs to no single region or language but to the entire country.
"Every street in our country has a Rama temple. Rama belongs to all of us," he noted. "Whether it is Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, or Kerala, when someone makes an honest attempt to take our culture to the world, everyone must stand together. If the intent is right, drop the bitterness, come together as an industry, and back it."
Addressing why Sony Pictures was brought on board for the film's worldwide theatrical distribution, Yash said the ambition is to present Indian heritage with pride.
"Many asked why an international release was necessary and whether India alone was not enough. We have immense respect for our culture, but the world must also know what we are made of and who we truly are," Yash added. "This is not just about making a movie; it is about taking an Indian story to the world on our own terms."
