Growing up, many of us watched Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama on Doordarshan or YouTube, both in Hindi and English. The memories are cherished, but you may wonder why this film is being brought back to theatres now. Nostalgia is certainly a big reason, but this film has much more to offer. Watching Yugo Suko's beautifully animated version of the Ramayana in 4K on a big screen is an experience in itself. Though the new dubbing and voices might feel different, they don’t take away from what is arguably the best adaptation of the Ramayana ever created.
The film covers key events from the Ramayana, focusing on Lord Rama’s exile, the abduction of Sita, and the battle between Sugreeva’s vanara army and Ravana’s demons. Most of us know this story well, but the film brings a fresh perspective by combining the simplicity of the original tale with stunning animation that has aged gracefully over time.
Despite being released in 1992, The Legend of Prince Rama doesn’t feel outdated. The animation still looks impressive, and thanks to digital remastering, it shines even more on the big screen. This is a huge improvement from the experience of watching Adipurush, which many viewers found disappointing. Watching this film was almost like healing the scars left by that movie.
The new dubbing does take a little getting used to. For those who grew up with the deep baritone of Amrish Puri as Ravana and Arun Govil's voice as Lord Rama, it might feel unfamiliar. However, the voices fit well with the cinematic style of the film, which is more dramatic than the original, simple dub from an earlier era. The new voices complement the animation, creating a polished cinematic experience.
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The songs, beloved by many, have also undergone changes. We now hear the Sanskrit versions of tracks like Janani Main Raamdoot Hanuman and Vaanar Sena, rather than the Hindi versions many are used to. Nevertheless, Vanraj Bhatia's music remains soothing and timeless, fitting seamlessly into the film.
Despite its many strengths, the film does have some flaws. It presents a rather one-dimensional view of Ravana, focusing solely on his evil side while glossing over his wisdom. Additionally, the film omits certain nuances, such as Sita’s agni-paksha trial, simplifying the narrative in the process. While this works for a general audience, it does leave out some depth.
One last point—while the film is undoubtedly a visual treat, the inclusion of an interval feels unnecessary. The story could have flowed better without one.
Overall, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is a wonderful and timeless adaptation that beautifully brings the epic to life, providing both old fans and new viewers with a memorable experience.
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