Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama to be released in Indian cinemas 11 days before Diwali on Oct 18

NEW DELHI: The much-celebrated animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is set to make a debutant screening in Indian theaters, marking its first-ever release in four languages—Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu on 18th October. This October, audiences across India will experience the magic of this Indo-Japanese collaboration on the big screen once more, with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. India’s one of biggest festival Diwali is being celebrated on 29th October.

The new teaser and poster, unveiled by Geek Pictures India, have already begun to stir up excitement among fans of the epic saga. As a special treat, the film’s re-release will also feature contributions from renowned screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad, celebrated for his work on Indian blockbusters like Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and RRR.

It is mention worthy here that the release of this anime film is going to be the second big anime event of the year 2024 as Japan embassy also is organising a grand anime fair Mela Mela Anime Japan on September 28-29 in New Delhi.

A Cinematic Event for All Ages: Scheduled for release on October 18, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama promises to be more than just a nostalgic experience for those familiar with its original 1992 release. This anime film, co-produced by Japan’s Yugo Sako and India’s animation legend Ram Mohan, was one of the earliest cross-cultural cinematic ventures that brought Indian mythology to life through a combination of Japanese and Indian animation techniques. Despite being hand-drawn and created more than three decades ago, the film’s visual storytelling, artistic depth, and moving musical score continue to stand the test of time.

The storyline remains as captivating as ever, recounting the timeless tale of Prince Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who embarks on an epic journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. This grand narrative encompasses Rama’s exile, the loyalty of his devoted companion Hanuman, the fierce battles with Ravana’s forces, and the eventual triumph of good over evil. Each scene beautifully brings to life the spiritual and philosophical essence of Valmiki’s Ramayana.

A Cross-Cultural Milestone in Animation: The film, first released in 1992, represents a significant moment in animation history, being one of the first major adaptations of a Hindu epic through an international lens. Blending the intricate hand-drawn style of Japanese anime with Indian art forms, the film became a visual and narrative bridge between the two cultures. Its vibrant animation and attention to detail helped popularize Ramayana in regions beyond India, making it a beloved interpretation of the story for a global audience. Official teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GKFfHcKVhk 

However, the film’s release in India wasn’t without its share of challenges. Some religious groups in the country expressed concerns over how an iconic and sacred text was being portrayed by filmmakers from outside India. Despite these initial controversies, the film has earned its place as a beloved classic, especially for introducing the Ramayana to an international audience in a new and refreshing format.

Renewed Interest and Anticipation: The film’s return to the spotlight comes at a time when fans of the Ramayana are seeking authentic and faithful adaptations of the epic. After last year’s release of Om Raut’s Adipurush, which garnered mixed reactions, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama found itself back in the conversation, with many hailing it as the definitive cinematic adaptation of the ancient text. Fans have praised its balance of action, devotion, and mythology, as well as its timeless appeal to viewers across generations.

For the English-language version, the film featured the iconic voices of Bryan Cranston and James Earl Jones, while the Hindi version brought together some of India’s most beloved actors, including Arun Govil, who voiced Rama, and Amrish Puri, who lent his iconic voice to the villainous Ravana. These performances added further gravitas to the film, deepening its emotional impact.

A Masterful Creative Addition: Elevating the excitement surrounding the upcoming re-release is the involvement of celebrated screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad. With his unparalleled ability to craft epic narratives, Prasad’s vision is sure to infuse the film with even greater emotional depth and cinematic spectacle. His contribution, alongside the original creators, is poised to enhance the already rich storytelling of the Ramayana, making it even more impactful for today’s audiences.

Arjun Aggarwal, co-founder of Geek Pictures India, has shared his enthusiasm for the re-release, stating, “This anime adaptation is a monumental example of what can be achieved through cross-cultural collaboration. With the creative input of a master storyteller like V. Vijayendra Prasad, this film will not only appeal to long-time fans but will also introduce the Ramayana to a whole new generation. It’s a fresh, dynamic portrayal of one of India’s most treasured epics.”

A Festive Release to Remember: The re-release of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has been strategically timed to coincide with the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali—two holidays that celebrate the victory of good over evil, echoing the film’s core themes. Distributed by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment, the movie will be showcased in cinemas across the nation, ensuring that audiences everywhere can partake in this cinematic celebration of Indian mythology.

For fans of the original release, this new version will offer a nostalgic return to the world of Rama, Sita, and Ravana, while newer audiences, especially younger generations, will have the chance to experience this epic story through the dynamic, stylized medium of anime. This release promises to rekindle the magic of one of India’s greatest stories and establish Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama as a cornerstone of cultural animation.

With its vivid animation, powerful voice cast, and a legendary story that transcends time, this movie is set to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the year.