The NTR Blueprint: Why Yash’s Ravana Is Striking a Chord

— By Surya Prakash Josyula

For Telugu audiences, the first face that comes to mind when they hear the name Ravana is still the legendary Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR).

The majestic crown, long moustache, powerful eyes, the pride of a great Shiva devotee, and the confidence of a learned king—NTR brought all these qualities together and created a timeless Ravana on screen. Through films like Bhookailas, Seetha Rama Kalyanam, Sri Krishna Satya, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, and Brahmarshi Viswamitra, he set a benchmark that still lives in the minds of Telugu audiences.

One of his greatest achievements was playing both Rama and Ravana in the same films—Sri Krishna Satya and Sri Rama Pattabhishekam. Even more remarkably, in Sri Krishna Satya, NTR played Rama, Ravana, and Lord Krishna in a single film, a feat that remains unmatched in Indian cinema.

That is why, whenever a new actor plays Ravana, Telugu audiences naturally compare him with the image that NTR created decades ago.

This is exactly why the discussion around the Ramayana trailer has become so interesting.

Although Yash appears only for a few moments in the trailer, social media has been flooded with praise. The reason is not just his popularity. Many viewers feel that his Ravana looks majestic, powerful, and closer to the character described in mythology. Fans say they can see the traditional image of Ravana they grew up with.

That also reminds people of Adipurush.

When Prabhas’ Adipurush was released, Ravana’s design received heavy criticism. From the hairstyle and costumes to the body language and overall appearance, many viewers felt the character had moved too far away from the Ravana they had imagined from the epic.

The audience was never against presenting mythology in a fresh way. Their concern was that the soul of the character seemed to have been lost.

There is a famous saying in the film industry: Success inspires, but failure teaches.

Many people now believe that the criticism faced by Adipurush made filmmakers more careful while designing mythological characters. There is no official confirmation that Ramayana changed its approach because of Adipurush, but the response to the trailer has certainly sparked that discussion.

Today’s audience is not looking only for grand VFX. They also want authenticity. For them, Ravana is not just a villain. He is a mighty emperor, a great scholar, and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Unless those qualities are reflected on screen, the character does not feel complete.

That is why many people see the appreciation for Yash’s Ravana as more than just praise for a new costume design. They believe the makers have respected the cultural memory that audiences have carried for generations.

This does not mean Yash is copying NTR. Instead, many viewers feel that the filmmakers have stayed closer to the majestic and powerful image of Ravana that Telugu audiences have always admired.

The result is interesting.

One Ravana was heavily trolled on social media. Another Ravana is being widely celebrated.

Perhaps the reason is simple.

The audience has not changed. Their image of Ravana has not changed either. The closer a filmmaker stays to that image, the stronger the connection becomes.