After finding fame in the Kannada film industry and making a splash across the country with the KGF franchise, actor Yash is now eyeing Bollywood. He has signed director Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious project Ramayana and is expected to be paid close to Rs. 150 crore to play the role of Ravana. A source tells us, “Yash will charge Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 150 crore. His fee will depend on the number of days he shoots for the film.”

A source close to the 37-year-old says that he decided to take up Tiwari’s movie as he thought it was a good project for him to foray into Hindi cinema. “He knows that he also has the third part of KGF [to work on], but has decided to manage his time and shuttle between both the industries,” adds the source. Ramayana will also star Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as Lord Rama and Sita. It will reportedly go on floors in February, next year.

Another source tells us that Yash, who is known for his bearded look both on- and off-screen, will undergo a transformation for the role. “Yash will have a different look in Ramayana compared to his look in KGF. He has also begun discussions on how and what his look will be like. He has also started working on his physique to get it right,” the source ends.

There were rumours doing the rounds that actor Ranbir Kapoor, who will also star in the film, will quit alcohol and meat as he essays the role of Lord Rama.

A source tells us, “These are just speculative pieces to generate buzz about the film. Ranbir is currently focusing on Animal’s release and will then think about the approach he wants to take for Ramayan. There’s no truth in these stories that claims 10 different things.”