Yugo Sako’s era-defining anime, Ramayana The Legend of Prince Rama, co-directed by Koichi Sasaki and Ram Mohan, is finally in Bharatiya cinemas. This anime version of Ramayana, a Bharat-Japan co-production, is technically a re-release, on the occasion of first anniversary of Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir (Ayodhya). It was first seen briefly in 1993, after premiering at a few film festivals to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bharat and Japan. This remastered HD 4K version, freshly dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, alongside its original English version, is in theatres now. This wonderful digital adaptation of the Bharatiya epic is a lively, entertaining and magnificently accomplished piece of feature animation.
The Legend of Prince Rama tells a cross-section from the Ramayana, focusing on the events during Shri Rama’s exile to the abduction of Maa Seeta and the eventual battle of Sugreeva’s vaanar sena with Ravana’s demons. It is a tale most Bharatiyas know by heart. But the film makes it work by evoking the simplicity of Ramayana and blending it with animation that has stood the test of time. The experience of watching this animation version in 4K on a big screen is worth a trip to the theatre.
The film narrates the epic journey of Prince Rama who sets out to rescue his beloved wife, Seeta from the demon king Ravana. Accompanied by his devoted brother Lakshman and the loyal Hanuman. Rama’s trials of love, honour, and sacrifice are beautifully portrayed. The movie explores deep themes of dharma (righteousness), loyalty, and the eternal battle between good and evil, making it a perfect introduction to the Ramayana for a global audience.
This anime with breathtaking visuals captivates audiences with its vivid depiction of Bharat’s most cherished epic, showcasing the timeless magic and profound teachings of Valmiki’s Ramayana covering themes of relationships, duty, and the triumph of good over evil. The first half of the film lays the foundation for the entire story, providing a glimpse into how Prabhu Shri Ram met Seeta. It also depicts Ram’s journey into exile and its consequences. Experience the captivating narration of this powerful tale through a beautifully animated portrayal, rich in cultural details, ensuring its status as a cult classic.
The animated film is crafted with great attention to detail. Every visual captures the essence of the story, offering a profound account of emotional depth, Shri Ram’s greatness, and his powers. The film brings this ancient epic to life, providing a perfect blend of entertainment while showcasing Bharatiyata in an animated format.
Despite its age, the animation holds up remarkably well. The digital remastering ensures that the visuals, already lauded three decades ago, shine even brighter on the big screen, a testament to Suko’s artistic vision. For those scarred by recent, less successful Ramayana adaptations, “The Legend of Prince Rama” offers a welcome balm.
In its earlier Hindi version, ‘Ramayan’ star Arun Govil voiced the character of Ram, Namrata Sawhney voice starred as Sita and the late Amrish Puri lent his voice to Raavan. Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha served as the narrator. In the new Hindi dubbed version Yudhvir Dahiya lends his voice to Shri Ram, capturing the essence of the character beautifully. Sonal Kaushal voices Seeta Mata with her signature charm. Rajesh Jolly’s powerful voice brings Ravan to life, while Uplaksh Kochhar as Laxman and Archit Maurya as Hanuman deliver excellent performances, adding depth to their characters.
The soundtrack, featuring Sanskrit versions of classic tracks like “Janani Main Raamdoot Hanuman” and “Vaanar Sena,” might feel unfamiliar to those accustomed to the Hindi versions. But Vanraj Bhatia’s music remains enchanting, seamlessly integrated into the film’s tapestry.
Simplicity is the film’s greatest strength. The animation is well-done, and the focus remains firmly on the story rather than unnecessary sound effects or excessive drama. The movie imparts maximum knowledge about Shri Ram while keeping it engaging for children. However, there were some changes made in a few of the sequences, as compared to the original story telling of the great epic.
While the storyline remains compelling, the animation might feel simplistic for adult viewers, and some sequences, such as the action scenes, miss the intense thrill that could have elevated the experience. However, for younger audiences and those unfamiliar with Bharatiya culture, the straightforward visuals and narrative make the Ramayana accessible and engaging.
This animated film offers a concise, engaging, and fun way to introduce kids to the epic Ramayana in just 2.5 hours. Packed with Shri Ram’s incredible stories, this movie delivers both knowledge and entertainment in a delightful format.
