Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, the 1999 Japanese-Indian anime film, is poised to captivate Indian audiences once more. The groundbreaking animation that intertwines Japanese and Indian cinematic craftsmanship is set for its first-ever theatrical release in India, complete with new dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, alongside its original English version. This major announcement was made by the film’s distributors on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, this film promises to return with a modern twist by hitting cinema halls on October 18, 2024, in a pristine 4K format. The distribution networks—Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment—are collaborating to launch Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama in cinemas across the nation, aiming to attract a new generation of viewers while rekindling nostalgia for older fans.
In a statement released by Geek Pictures India, the company elaborated on its dedication to reviving this animated masterpiece. “Driven by our unwavering commitment to making this timeless film accessible to all, we have taken the responsibility of reviving this cherished epic. In our dedication to honouring the vision of the original creators, we meticulously produced new language versions in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, under the guidance of esteemed industry veteran Shri V. Vijayendra Prasad,” the statement read.
The company assured fans that while new language versions have been created, the original English dialogue remains intact. This allows audiences to experience the film with the same powerful visuals and dialogic elements as initially envisioned. The ultimate aim is to offer a renewed cinematic experience that strikes a chord with children and families across India.
Moreover, the distributor company has confirmed that the film will adhere to the latest guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) of India. To make the film more inclusive, enhanced accessibility features for the hearing impaired will be incorporated, ensuring a more diverse and welcoming viewing experience for all moviegoers.
The Hindi version of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors.
. Arun Govil, celebrated for his portrayal of Rama in the television series “Ramayan,” voices the titular character. Namrata Sawhney lends her voice to Sita, and the late Amrish Puri gives life to Raavan, making the character as formidable as ever. Additionally, the veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha serves as the film’s narrator, further adding to its allure.
Complementing the enthralling dialogues are memorable songs composed by Vanraj Bhatia and penned by PK Mishra. Tracks such as “Shri Raghuvar Ki Vaanar Sena,” “Janani Main Ramdoot Hanuman,” and “Jai Lankeshwar” were particularly popular in the film’s Hindi dubbed version. These songs are expected to resonate with audiences anew, as they relive or discover for the first time the musical richness of this animated epic.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama was initially screened at the 24th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and found its way into the hearts of Indian audiences primarily through reruns on TV channels in the early 2000s. Despite its popularity on television, it never had an official cinema release until now. This theatrical event promises to be a historic moment for the film and its aficionados, presenting the work in a way it has never been seen before.
The distributors and creative minds behind this revitalized release hold immense hopes for its success. They believe this venture will not only draw audiences to theaters but also foster a deeper appreciation for the rich narrative and artistic endeavors that went into creating Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama. By reaching out to younger audiences and facilitating a shared cultural experience, the film’s re-release is poised to extend its impact far beyond the cinematic screen.
Mark your calendars for October 18, 2024. The legendary tale of Prince Rama is coming to theaters with grandeur, offering a harmonious blend of technology, storytelling, and tradition, promising an unforgettable experience for all who watch it.
