Mukesh Khanna Criticizes Ramayana and Compares Yash to Akshaye Khanna
- Mukesh Khanna criticized Nitesh Tiwari's film Ramayana in a recent vlog.
- Khanna argued that the film glorifies Ravana at the expense of Rama.
- The film Ramayana grossed Rs 673.90 crore worldwide within five days.
- Khanna compared Yash's performance to Akshaye Khanna's role in Dhurandhar.
- Ranbir Kapoor stars as Rama in the film released on November 5, 2026.
Actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his role as Bhishma Pitamah in the BR Chopra production of Mahabharat, has criticised the film Ramayana in a recent vlog. The film, which is based on the epic by Valmiki, was released in theatres on 5 November 2026.
Khanna alleged that the film glorifies the character of Ravana and attempts to present him as superior to Rama. He claimed that Yash, who plays Ravana, is receiving more praise for his performance than Ranbir Kapoor, who plays the role of Rama.
Khanna compared the performance of Yash to the role played by Akshaye Khanna in the film Dhurandhar. He stated that the success of Akshaye Khanna in that role was due to the director and writer providing him with specific scenes and build-up.
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend grosses Rs 673.90 crore in five days
The trade website Sacnilk reported that the film grossed Rs 673.90 crore worldwide within five days of its release.
Nitesh Tiwari directs star-studded cast in Valmiki's epic
Yash plays the role of Ravana and also is a co-producer of the project.
The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana. Anupam Kher voices the character of Jatayu, and Sunny Deol is scheduled to portray Hanuman in the second part of the film, which is set for release at Diwali 2028.
Yash shares Diwali update following Toxic's lukewarm response
Yash returned to social media on 10 November 2026 with a family update for Diwali. He and his wife Radhika Pandit shared a vacation photograph featuring their children, Arya and Yatharv. This post followed a period of social media silence after his Kannada film Toxic received a lukewarm response in August.
The shared image included pictures of his children dressed in Ravana costumes. Yash used the post to wish fans a happy Deepavali and thanked them for their support regarding the film Ramayana: Rise of a Legend.
Industry peers engaged with the update, which was posted on 10 November 2026. Director Nitesh Tiwari and co-star Akshay Oberoi left heart emojis in the comments section. Stars including Nayanthara, Sobhita Dhulipala, Bhumi Pednekar and Dulquer Salmaan also liked the post.
Khanna argues against altering religious epics
Mukesh Khanna stated on 10 November 2026 that he has not yet watched the film Ramayana. He argued that any performance by Yash is the result of a script, director, and writer providing a larger than life build-up.
Khanna asserted that while creators can change fictitious stories, they should not alter religious epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat. He acknowledged that Ravana was a scholar and a devotee of Shiva.
Khanna also mentioned hearing that in some parts of South India, effigies of Rama are burned instead of Ravana.
Akshaye Khanna's professional background as a product manager
Akshaye Khanna is a product manager with over five years of professional experience based in South Delhi, India. He attended NIIT University between 2016 and 2020.
According to his LinkedIn profile, which was viewed on 10 November 2026, he has publicly criticised the Viksit Bharat 2047 slogan. He also described India's higher education system as being on a ventilator.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Akshaye Khanna (linkedin.com)
- Yash drops a goofy picture with his kids in Raavana costume as he wishes happy diwali to fans, thanks them for pouring love on 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend' (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- ndtv.com (ndtv.com)
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