The much-anticipated release of the 1993 Japanese-Indian animated film, ‘Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama’, has been delayed in India, with the new date yet to be confirmed. Initially scheduled for a theatrical release on October 18, 2024, the film was set to debut in 4K format with new dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, alongside its original English version.
Geek Pictures India, in collaboration with AA Films and Excel Entertainment, is distributing the film in India. The distributors cited overwhelming enthusiasm from fans and the desire to make the film accessible to a broader audience as the reason for the rescheduling. A statement from Geek Pictures expressed gratitude for the support and explained their commitment to ensuring the film’s release reaches as many theaters as possible across India.
The animated film, directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, has a rich legacy. The original Hindi version featured the voices of popular actors like Arun Govil as Ram, Namrata Sawhney as Sita, and the late Amrish Puri as Raavan, with veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha serving as the narrator.
In a statement posted on their official Instagram page, Geek Pictures India emphasized that the film is more than a cinematic experience. It is a timeless tale celebrating relationships, the triumph of good over evil, and harmony between nature and living beings. They added, “We are honored to present this cultural artefact from Japan to its spiritual home. A new release date will be announced soon to align with our vision of widespread accessibility.”
Originally screened at the 24th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 1993,’Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama’ gained popularity among Indian audiences through television re-runs in the early 2000s. Fans eagerly await its return to the big screen in a newly enhanced format.