The 1993 Japanese-Indian animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is set to release in Indian cinemas on January 24, 2025. The movie, a collaborative masterpiece directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, will be presented in a remastered 4K format with new dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, alongside its original English version.
Key Highlights:
- Distributors: The film will be distributed across India by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment.
- Cultural Celebration: Arjun Aggarwal, co-founder of Geek Pictures India, expressed pride in bringing this beloved epic to audiences. “This is more than a film; it’s a celebration of our culture, showcasing India’s heritage through the artistry of Japanese anime,” Aggarwal stated.
- Rescheduling for Accessibility: Initially slated for release on October 18, 2024, the film was postponed to expand its availability in more cinemas across the country.
Legacy and Voice Cast:
- In its original Hindi adaptation, the legendary Arun Govil voiced Lord Ram, Namrata Sawhney voiced Sita, and the late Amrish Puri lent his voice to Raavan. Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha served as the narrator.
- Renowned screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad (known for Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and RRR) oversaw the creative adaptation for the film’s new versions.
Historical Context:
- First screened in India at the 24th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 1993, the film did not receive a theatrical release at the time. However, it gained immense popularity in the early 2000s during its re-runs on television.
With its re-release, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama aims to captivate both nostalgic fans and a new generation, blending timeless Indian storytelling with Japanese anime artistry.