Aarya Babbar, who has taken on the role of Ravana in the stage adaptation Mahabali, is not shy about calling out a look he sees as a repeat of Yash’s KGF swagger.
When the first glimpse of Yash as demon king in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana surfaced, fans noticed the familiar beard and bulk that had become his trademark in the KGF trilogy. The new costume, however, attempts to differentiate the character for an international audience.
In a chat with Variety India, Aarya lauded Saif Ali Khan for bringing a fresh intensity to his Ravana in Adipurush, arguing that the actor’s performance is inseparable from Om Raut’s vision.
"It’s pretty much the same beard that he’s had in KGF before," he said. "Yash is playing it for an international audience, not just for an Indian audience, and it’s visible with what Mr. Tiwari is doing."
With Ramayana’s first part slated for November 5 and the second slated for Diwali 2027, fans are already bracing for a showdown that could either cement Yash’s villainous legacy or force him to reinvent. Aarya’s comments add a fresh layer to the conversation, reminding us that a villain’s face is as much a product of the director as it is of the actor.