The original makers are no more today, but the legacy lives on through decades and generations. Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama does not need an introduction. Millennials and older generations will agree, and now, thanks to the theatrical release of its remastered version, the newer generation will too.
Restoring and Re-releasing a Classic
What changed in the process of restoring and re-releasing the classic in theatres? The biggest conversation among film buffs and cine-goers revolves around nostalgia and comparisons between the old and new. But has the essence of the film really changed?
One of the most talked-about changes is the Hindi voice cast. The 1997 Hindi-dubbed version featured legendary voices like Amrish Puri, Arun Govil, and Shatrughan Sinha. However, the remastered version has a new voice cast.
TEM Co., the Japanese licensor of the film, explained that the original dubs were created by a different distributor and could not be restored because the original audio data was lost. Additionally, copyright issues played a role, as the Hindi dub was made for television, with rights divided between the producers and Doordarshan. Hence, dubbing the film from scratch was a technical necessity rather than a creative choice.
Impact on the Film’s Essence
Watching the new 4K version in theatres took me back to childhood memories of watching it on Doordarshan and Cartoon Network as 30-minute episodes on Saturdays.
The most striking realization was how the animation quality has remained not only pristine but also relevant in today’s digital era. The vividly imagined landscapes and surroundings add a fresh layer to an already iconic film, a testament to the brilliance of animation in an era when Indian animation was still in its infancy.
A True Cultural Treasure
Co-directed by Japanese filmmakers Yugo Sako, Koichi Sasaki, and Indian animation maestro Ram Mohan, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama stays true to its roots while maintaining universal appeal. The film remains grounded in Indian epic traditions and values, showcasing a perfect blend of Indian and Japanese animation styles.
One element that remained untouched is the music. The moment Vanraj Bhatia’s Shri Raghuvar Ki Vaanar, Setum Bandhe, and other classic tracks played, a wave of nostalgia hit. The preservation of the original Sanskrit songs was a key factor in maintaining the cultural authenticity of the film.
A Legacy That Lives On
After the loss of the original Hindi dub, Geek Pictures India took on the responsibility of redubbing the film, collaborating with Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Pictures to translate and release the film in four languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
