There is Tāmasīka Bhakti, Dāna (charity), Tapas & the Purāṇas even reveal Ātmadhyāna in Tāmasīka mode. Yes, even contemplation upon the self can be done with a nefarious & destructive intent.
It looks impressive but is not worthy of admiration, much like chemical weapons developed in WW2 -The research that went into it is impressive; perhaps brilliant but you don’t admire it.
So, don’t keep repeating “bhakti” & “tapas” because it doesn’t really affect the standing of Rāvaṇa.
When Tirujñānasambandhar, one who drank Devī’s milk and became omniscient, emphasizes several times in his Hymns the Śivabhakti of Rāma but only the humbling of Rāvaṇa’s pride, that should tell you something.
Rāvaṇa’s singing Sāmaveda to save himself from being crushed to death by Hara - There is a tamizh tradition which holds that the great saint Appar was a muni in Rudraloka in a previous birth & had advised Rāvaṇa during his ordeal to chant the Sāmans. What happened?
In order to preserve the worldly conventions & the words of sages & scriptures that Sāmans appease His wrath, Hara lets him go, having already willed his destruction. What does he do to Vāgīśa Muni who advised? He curses him to be born in this world till he finally attains Him.
Ask for a better portrayal of Rāvaṇa because we have a proper tradition of portraying Asuras & Rākṣasas. Be clinical. You are not asking for a better portrayal because Rāvaṇa is the kind of Śivabhakta who will move you to tears. He is not Upamanyu; he’s not 1 of the 63. //End
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