Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston had lent his voice for lord Ram in 'The Legend of Ramayana'

The Creation of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama

The animated feature, directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, was a unique international collaboration that aimed to bring the Indian epic Ramayana to a broader audience.

The film was released in three languages—Hindi, English, and Japanese—each featuring a unique set of voice actors.

For the Hindi version, the beloved Arun Govil, who played Lord Ram in the Ramayana television series, reprised his role in the animated film, lending his voice once again to the character. The ensemble cast for the Hindi version also included iconic voices such as Namrata Sawhney as Sita, Shakti Singh as Lakshman, Dilip Sinha as Hanuman, and the legendary Amrish Puri as Raavan.

The English Version and Its Global Impact

The English version of the animated film, with Bryan Cranston as the lead voice actor, was released with significant edits to make it more accessible to a Western audience. The film blended various animation styles, including Japanese Manga, Disney's influence from the US, and elements of Ravi Varma's classical Indian art. This fusion of styles created a visually rich and dynamic representation of the Ramayana, appealing to a global audience.

The English version was not just a simple translation but an effort to adapt an ancient Indian mythological tale for international audiences, making it easier for viewers unfamiliar with the cultural and religious nuances of India to appreciate the story. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Lord Ram stands out as an example of how actors can lend their talent to roles vastly different from what they are typically known for.

Legacy and Recognition

While The Prince of Light: The Legend of Ramayana may not have garnered as much attention as Cranston’s later work, such as Breaking Bad, it remains a fascinating chapter in his career. The film itself has become a beloved part of animated retellings of Indian epics, particularly for those who grew up watching it in the 1990s. The international collaboration behind the film set a precedent for animated adaptations of cultural stories and was celebrated for its faithfulness to Valmiki’s original epic, despite the creative liberties taken in the English version.