Sharad Kelkar grabbed everyone's attention at the Kaali Kheti trailer launch with a witty one-liner about his association with Ramayana, leaving the audience cheering and laughing. The actor, who has lent his powerful voice to the Hindi version of Yash's Ravana, was asked about being the voice behind one of the film's most talked-about characters. Rather than giving a conventional response, Sharad came up with a line that instantly became the highlight of the interaction.
With his trademark confidence and humour, Sharad said, “I’ll just say this: across the three worlds—everywhere, in every corner—there shall be only one reign: the 'Kelkar' reign.” The remark sent the gathering into an uproar, with fans thoroughly enjoying the actor's playful take on his contribution to the epic. Known for his commanding voice, Sharad turned a simple question about dubbing into a memorable moment, reminding everyone why his voice has become such a recognisable part of Hindi cinema.
Beyond the humour, the actor was equally generous in praising Yash's performance as Ravana. Sharad made it clear that bringing the character to life in Hindi was a challenging experience precisely because of the performance he had to match. Appreciating the Kannada superstar, he said, “Honestly, and I mean this sincerely—it’s not just about the film itself—I must compliment Yash for his performance. I don’t think anyone else could have pulled it off; he is such a brilliant actor. The sense of composure he brought to the role is truly phenomenal.”
Sharad further explained that Yash's performance was so effective that it made the dubbing process particularly demanding. He added, “Perhaps that is why he hasn’t received as much appreciation as he deserved for his work in the film. He performed so well that it actually made the dubbing process quite challenging for me—he was just that good! But thank you—I’m glad you loved the film, and that you liked the voice.” His comments reflect the importance of a dubbing artist's contribution while also acknowledging that the emotional depth and expressions of the original performer are what make the character compelling. Sharad's praise also adds to the conversation around Yash's interpretation of the legendary antagonist.
Yash's portrayal of Ravana has generated considerable discussion among audiences, with viewers debating his screen presence, characterisation and the creative choices made in presenting the legendary king. While many have praised his commanding performance and the depth brought to the character, others have questioned aspects of the film's interpretation of Ravana's story. In particular, discussions have emerged around the portrayal of Lanka as a prosperous kingdom offering equality to its people, and the way the narrative connects Ravana's actions to the humiliation of his sister Shurpanakha. Some viewers feel this approach gives the character a more sympathetic or revolutionary dimension, while others believe it risks softening the moral complexity of his actions in traditional accounts. These differing reactions have made Yash's Ravana one of the most debated elements of the film.
Sharad Kelkar's interaction took place on the sidelines of the Kaali Kheti trailer launch, where Jackie Shroff, Neha Sargam, writer-director Haris Imtiyaz Khan, producer Sana Khan and the rest of the cast and crew were also present. The actor's witty remark and heartfelt appreciation for Yash offered two memorable moments from the event. While the 'Kelkar reign' line had the audience roaring with laughter, his praise for Yash highlighted the mutual respect between the performer and the voice behind his Hindi portrayal.