In a groundbreaking announcement, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, the revered 1999 Japanese-Indian anime film, is poised for a historic theatrical release in India, now updated with fresh dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu along with its original English version, as confirmed by the film’s distributors on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Helmed by the trio of directors Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, this timeless animated piece is scheduled to make its debut in Indian theaters on October 18, presented in a stunning 4K format. The distribution responsibilities for this significant release have been undertaken by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment, ensuring that this animated epic reaches audiences across the nation.
“We are driven by an unwavering commitment to making this timeless film accessible to all,” stated Geek Pictures India in an official statement. “Our dedication to honoring the vision of the original creators has led us to produce new language versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi under the meticulous guidance of industry veteran Shri V. Vijayendra Prasad. By preserving the original English dialogue and the iconic, powerful visuals, we aim to offer a renewed cinematic experience that resonates with children and families across India.”
The distributor further revealed that the film would comply with the latest guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) of India. This includes incorporating enhanced accessibility features for the hearing impaired, ensuring an inclusive viewing experience for every audience member.
In the Hindi version of this beloved film, audiences will hear the familiar voices of some of the most cherished names in Indian cinema. The voice cast includes Arun Govil, renowned for his portrayal of Ram in the TV series Ramayan, lending his voice to the character of Ram.
. Namrata Sawhney brings life to Sita, while the late Amrish Puri’s powerful voice personifies the villainous character of Raavan. Additionally, the narrative is enriched by veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who serves as the narrator.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by the acclaimed Vanraj Bhatia, features memorable songs with lyrics penned by PK Mishra. Hits like “Shri Raghuvar Ki Vaanar Sena,” “Janani Main Ramdoot Hanuman,” and “Jai Lankeshwar” from the Hindi dubbed version have left an indelible mark on the film’s legacy.
Having first been screened at the 24th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama quickly garnered popularity among Indian audiences, particularly through its television reruns in the early 2000s. However, this marks the first time the film will be available for theatrical viewing in India, a move that is set to introduce the film to a new generation of viewers while evoking nostalgia among those who grew up watching it.
This updated release is not just about reaching a broader audience but paying homage to the storytelling and artistic strides made by the original creators. The process of dubbing and re-releasing the film engaged numerous linguistic and cultural experts to ensure that each version retained the essence and integrity of the original work, making it relatable and enjoyable for today’s audience.
In summary, the re-introduction of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama to Indian cinema screens promises to be a monumental event, blending advanced cinematic technology with timeless storytelling. With its enhanced visual quality, inclusive accessibility features, and fresh language dubs, the film is set to re-captivate Indian audiences, ensuring that the legend of Prince Rama continues to inspire and entertain. Fans of the original release and new viewers alike are eagerly awaiting October 18, when this animated masterpiece returns to cinemas, celebrating both India’s rich cultural heritage and the universal appeal of its epic narratives.
