Mumbai: A fresh controversy has erupted over Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s upcoming film Ramayana Part 1 after writer Apurva Asrani strongly criticised Yash’s appeal to audiences. Reacting to the actor’s remarks, Asrani accused him of encouraging an atmosphere of authoritarianism and raised concerns about freedom of expression in the country.
Asrani, known for his work on films such as Shahid and Aligarh, shared a lengthy post on X, expressing his displeasure over Yash’s comments. Taking a sarcastic swipe at the actor’s appeal, the writer said he would not be surprised if people were eventually jailed for disliking a film or choosing what they wanted to eat. He described the situation as a worrying sign for freedom of expression.
Why Yash’s Appeal Has Triggered a Controversy
The controversy began after Yash addressed the audience at an event in Hyderabad. The actor urged viewers to approach Ramayana Part 1 with an open mind instead of focusing excessively on technical shortcomings or flaws in visual effects (VFX).
Yash highlighted the scale of the project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and asked audiences to recognise the effort and larger vision behind the film. He suggested that viewers should support ambitious cinematic ventures rather than concentrating on minor imperfections, arguing that such support is important for the growth and improvement of cinema.
Apurva Asrani Raises Questions About Freedom of Expression
Yash’s remarks did not go down well with Asrani, who connected the actor’s appeal to broader concerns about the country’s political and social climate. In his post on X, the writer expressed apprehension about the constitutional rights of citizens and their freedom to voice opinions.
Asrani urged people to speak up while they still had the freedom to question and express disagreement. He portrayed Yash’s remarks as an attempt to put pressure on audiences over how they should respond to a film, describing the episode as a troubling development for open debate and individual choice.
Ranbir Kapoor, Yash Lead the Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana Part 1 is among the most anticipated upcoming Indian film projects. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi will play Mata Sita. Yash is set to appear as Ravana, and Sunny Deol will take on the role of Lord Hanuman.
The film also features Lara Dutta, Indrani Mukerjea and Arun Govil in important roles. Its ambitious scale and reported production budget have placed it among the major projects attracting attention in Indian cinema.
Ramayana Part 1 Set for Diwali Release
Ramayana Part 1 is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 5, 2026, around the Diwali festive season. Expectations surrounding the film remain high, given its star cast, subject and grand production scale.
Meanwhile, statements made during the film’s promotional events have fuelled debate on social media. While Yash’s appeal has drawn criticism from Asrani over questions of artistic freedom and audience choice, anticipation for the film’s theatrical release continues.
