Kannada superstar Yash, best known for his iconic role in the KGF franchise, has reportedly charged a staggering ₹200 crore for portraying Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic, Ramayana. This makes him the highest-paid antagonist in Indian cinema history, surpassing the earnings of several leading heroes.
Yash’s remuneration includes both his acting fee and a share in the film’s distribution profits, as he is also a co-producer of the film under his banner, Monster Mind Creations. His portrayal of Ravana is expected to be a career-defining performance, with the actor reportedly turning down other roles to focus solely on this complex character.
The Ramayana trilogy, with a reported budget of ₹835 crore, is being produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, with Part 1 slated for a Diwali 2026 release and Part 2 following in Diwali 20274.
Interestingly, Yash’s ₹200 crore fee surpasses even Ranbir Kapoor’s reported ₹225 crore for the trilogy, making him the highest-paid cast member per installment1. This shift reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema, where villainous roles are gaining prominence, both in narrative depth and financial value.
Yash’s casting as Ravana has already generated massive buzz, especially after the release of the film’s first look, which showcased his fierce and regal transformation. With global-level production values, Oscar-winning technicians, and a visionary director at the helm, Ramayana is shaping up to be a cinematic milestone—and Yash’s role is at the heart of its epic scale.