Ravana enters the royal contest

Yash. Pic/PR; (right) Sai Pallavi. Pic/Instagram

Last week, mid-day reported that since April, Yash has been shooting Ravana's portions in director Nitesh Tiwari's two-part magnum opus Ramayana (Ra.One, now starring Yash, May 2). Well, the unit reached a crucial point in the narrative this week. From what we've heard, the team is filming the grand swayamvar sequence of Sita - one of the turning points in the epic. On screen too, the filmmaker is ensuring that it translates into an awe-inspiring spectacle.

According to sources present in the ongoing schedule at Film City in Goregaon, the makers have created a sprawling set-up reflecting the Mithila kingdom, complete with giant palace courtyards, royal balconies, and traditional floor patterns decorated with flowers. Hundreds of junior artistes have been roped in. The centrepiece, of course, is Yash as they capture the sequence where Ravana unsuccessfully tried to lift the Shiva Dhanush.

Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays Rama in the drama, is not part of the ongoing leg. Pic/PR

A source close to the production revealed, "The current portion focuses on Ravana arriving at the swayamvar gathering and the dramatic tension surrounding the lifting of the bow. Yash has a commanding entry in the sequence. The crowd energy changes the moment Ravana enters the court. A lot of effort has gone into creating that aura visually." Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, is expected to join the shoot later.