Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, the acclaimed 1999 Japanese-Indian anime film, is poised to make an unprecedented entry into Indian cinema halls with fresh dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, alongside its original English version. This significant update, as announced by the distributors on Saturday, September 28, 2024, promises to bring the animated retelling of the ancient Indian epic to a new generation of viewers.
Co-directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, this animated adaptation is scheduled to hit cinemas on October 18, presented in pristine 4K format. The theatrical release is being facilitated by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment, ensuring the film reaches a wide audience across the nation.
Geek Pictures India expressed their enthusiasm in a statement, highlighting their mission to make this timeless classic accessible to all. “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.
This initiative aims not only to preserve the original English dialogue but also to maintain the film’s iconic and powerful visuals, providing a renewed cinematic experience that resonates with children and families across India. Among the enhanced features, the updated version will include improved accessibility tools for the hearing impaired, in accordance with the latest guidelines set by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) of India.
The Hindi version of the film boasts an impressive voice cast. Arun Govil, known for his portrayal of Lord Rama in the Doordarshan TV series ‘Ramayan’, lends his voice to the character of Ram. Namrata Sawhney provides the voice for Sita, and the late Amrish Puri brought life to the menacing Raavan.
. Additionally, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha serves as the narrator, guiding viewers through the epic story.
Alongside the star-studded voice cast, the film’s Hindi dub also features memorable songs composed by Vanraj Bhatia and penned by PK Mishra. Tracks like “Shri Raghuvar Ki Vaanar Sena,” “Janani Main Ramdoot Hanuman,” and “Jai Lankeshwar” are expected to evoke nostalgia among audiences familiar with the earlier television renditions of the Ramayana.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama initially garnered attention when it was screened at the 24th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Despite its warm reception, it did not enjoy a theatrical release at the time. However, the film found a second life through repeated broadcasts on Indian television channels in the early 2000s, capturing the hearts of many viewers and cementing its place as a beloved retelling of the epic narrative.
For this theatrical release, Geek Pictures India emphasized their dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original animation while enhancing the audio experience through meticulous dubbing and sound design. The aim is to offer both new and old fans of the Ramayana a visually and aurally rich experience that pays homage to the original creation while updating it for contemporary audiences.
As the film prepares for its much-anticipated debut in Indian theaters, there is a palpable excitement among fans and newcomers alike. Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of India’s most revered epics. With its enriched dubbing, high-quality visuals, and commitment to inclusivity, this release is poised to be a landmark event in the world of animation and Indian cinema.
The updated version of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is not merely a re-release but a reinvigoration of a classic that promises to captivate and inspire a new generation. As October 18 approaches, audiences across India are gearing up to witness this legendary tale in a format that honors its past while embracing the future.
