The animated adaptation of Valmiki’s epic, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, is finally set for a theatrical release in India, 32 years after its premiere at the 24th International Film Festival of India in 1993. The film, initially caught in controversy during the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement, will now be available to Indian audiences on January 24, 2025.
Excel Entertainment announced the news on social media, saying, “The wait is over! Experience India’s greatest epic in all its glory! Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama releasing on January 24, 2025, in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu. An unmissable 4K experience awaits.”
Ahead of the release, the film’s trailer will be launched on January 10, 2025. The re-release will feature a 4K remastered version with enhanced audio. This aims to provide a rich, immersive experience for both new viewers and long-time fans of the story.
Baahubali and RRR fame screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad, will oversee the creative adaptation of the film. His role is to ensure that the updated version of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama stays true to the original story while appealing to modern audiences.
The film’s release will coincide with Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force. The film also stars debutant Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur, among others. Sky Force is inspired by India’s retaliatory strike on the Sargodha airbase of Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is not just an animated film but a culturally significant project, blending Indian mythology with Japanese anime artistry. Initially a collaboration between Japanese director Yugo Sako and Indian animator Ram Mohan, the film was lauded internationally but faced hurdles in India due to political sensitivities at the time.
With the modern enhancements and the involvement of seasoned storytellers, the film aims to reconnect with the Indian audience and introduce the timeless tale of Rama to a new generation.
The epic film features the voices of several well-known artists. In the English version, Nikhil Kapoor voices Rama, Rael Padamsee brings Sita to life, Uday Mathan voices Ravana, and Mishal Varma lends his voice to Lakshmana. Noel Godin provides the voice for Hanuman.
In the Hindi version, Shatrughan Sinha serves as the Narrator, with Arun Govil reprising his iconic role as the voice of Rama. Namrata Sawhney voices Sita, Shakti Singh takes on the role of Lakshmana, and Dilip Sinha lends his voice to Hanuman.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama releasing on January 24, 2025, in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu.
