INDIA: The Ramayana has been adapted into several live-action and animated versions. But only Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana (1987) and Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (1992) directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Saski have depicted its true value straight out of this Indian epic in a proper manner.
Misinterpretation leads to a ban on theatrical release of Ramayana in India
The film was widely released in the United States and Japan, where it received a positive reception from both audiences and critics. However, it was not made available in India. According to multiple media sources, the press reported Yugo Sako’s documentary The Ramayana Relics, adding that he was working on a new Ramayana.
Shortly thereafter, the Japanese Embassy in Delhi received a protest letter from the Vishva Hindu Parishad due to a misconception, stating that no foreigners could unjustly film the Ramayana because it was India’s great cultural icon.
The “Vishva Hindu Parishad” was unsure if they would faithfully adapt the ancient epic or whether the animation format would affect the ethics of the story, which led to the film’s theatrical premiere in India being canceled. After a few years, it was broadcast on Indian television, where it captivated the Indian audience with an incredible experience, and it was recognized as a magnificent work of art by the Indian audience.
The film’s fine animation and accurate depiction of the ancient Indian epic evoke nostalgia in generations born in the 1990s and early 2000s. And for many, this was the first film that introduced them to the legendary persona of Bhagwan Ram.
The good news for Indian anime enthusiasts is that the film will finally be released this year. India and Japan will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. The Japan Film Festival will be hosted in India at the same time. Apart from many other films, everyone is looking forward to the 4K remastering of the Ramayana, which will have significant breakthroughs in animation elements. However, no release date has been set for the film.
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