'Ramayana' is receiving a huge audience response in theaters since its release. Viewers highly praise Ranbir Kapoor's performance as Lord Rama, as well as Yash's formidable portrayal of Ravana. However, another actor playing the young Ravana has also captured the audience's attention.
Until now, the public knew that Yash was playing the role of Ravana. But when footage of the young Ravana appeared, interest arose in the actor's identity. Reports indicate that this role was played by Raghav Malhotra, who is the son of film producer Namit Malhotra. Notably, Raghav is not an established actor.
Raghav Malhotra is the elder son of film creator Namit Malhotra. While the main cast of 'Ramayana' has long been in the spotlight, Raghav has remained out of the media glare. Little is known about his acting career to the public, but the role of Ravana has suddenly made him a subject of discussion.
It is reported that Raghav's Instagram account is private. He rarely appears on social media, although he has occasionally been seen at events with his father. Namit has two sons: Raghav, also known as Elton Malhotra, and Raghavbir Malhotra. His participation in the film has increased public curiosity about him.
The reason for choosing Raghav for the role of young Ravana was cited as his physical appearance. According to reports, his looks and physique are very similar to Yash's. This is why he looks like a younger version of Yash on screen. Raghav's resemblance to Yash is so great that he sometimes resembles a double. This similarity likely played an important role in the selection of the actor for the role of young Ravana.
Nevertheless, there is no official information from the creators regarding Raghav's casting. Therefore, the assumption that his selection was based on his resemblance to Yash is based solely on media reports. After this information surfaced, users began criticizing the producer, claiming that only 'nepo babies' were involved in the film.
According to sources, Raghav had the opportunity to observe major film projects from an early age. Since his father, Namit Malhotra, is a prominent film producer, he gained insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of the film industry. It is also claimed that Raghav underwent training in preparation for the film 'Ramayana'. He worked on facial expressions, movements, and body language appropriate to the character's image. To embody the image of young Ravana, it was not enough just to look like Yash; he needed to convey Ravana's power, ambition, and seriousness on screen.
There is currently no official data on what specific or additional training Raghav received for this role. Nevertheless, his presence has attracted the attention of viewers.
In the film, Raghav is presented as young Ravana, alongside Shobhna, who plays Ravana's mother, Kaikasi. Kaikasi holds an extremely significant place in Ravana's life. She is depicted as a mother guiding her son's ambitions and power. Thus, through the image of young Ravana, viewers are given a glimpse into the early moments of his life and the unfolding of his personality.
'Ramayana' was created by Namit Malhotra in collaboration with Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, and with support from Yash's Monster Mind Creations. The total budget for both parts of the film is estimated at approximately 4000 crore rupees. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Rama), Sai Pallavi (Sita), and Yash (Ravana). In addition to them, important roles were given to Ravi Dubey, Indire Krishna, Arun Govil, Lara Datta, Rakul Prit Singh, Vivek Oberoi, and Kanul Kapoor. The first part hinted at the appearance of a second episode. Reports suggest that the second part of 'Ramayana' will be released in December 2028.
