January 18, 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently reminisced about watching the animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, a unique Indo-Japanese collaboration first released in 1993.
On social media, Sitharaman shared her fond memories of the film, which was showcased at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) that year, and expressed excitement for its upcoming re-release in 4K. The film will hit theaters across India on January 24, 2025, with screenings in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Directed by Koichi Sasaki and Ram Mohan, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama features stunning hand-drawn animation, created by a team of over 450 artists. The movie brings to life the epic tale of Prince Rama, his exile, marriage to Sita, and the climactic battle against Ravana. It has long been cherished by audiences, especially as it was broadcast on channels like Cartoon Network.
The upcoming 4K re-release promises to offer a fresh cinematic experience with breathtaking visuals and epic battles, transporting viewers to key locations such as Ayodhya, Mithila, Panchavati, and Lanka. The film will be distributed in India by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment.
Renowned filmmaker Shri V. Vijayendra Prasad, who has been closely associated with the project, shared that the Ramayana resonates universally because of its timeless themes of dharma, courage, and love. He expressed pride in bringing the film back for a new generation to experience.
The re-release of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama serves as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of India and its collaboration with Japan, offering audiences a chance to revisit this iconic animated film with modern technology.