As the highly anticipated film Adipurush prepares for release, it joins the extensive list of movies based on the revered Indian epic, Ramayana. Over the years, numerous film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, and television adaptations, have brought this timeless tale to the silver screen. Surprisingly, the highest-rated and critically acclaimed Ramayana film did not originate in India and faced a ban within the country for an unexpected reason. Let’s delve into the intriguing story behind the forgotten 1992 film by Japanese director Yugo Sako, titled Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama.
The Highest-Rated Ramayana Film:
In 1992, Japanese filmmaker Yugo Sako created an animated version of Ramayana, marking a significant milestone in the adaptation of this epic tale. Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, an Indo-Japanese production, received immense acclaim for its groundbreaking animation and captivating narrative style. The film was produced in both Hindi and English, with renowned Indian actors lending their voices to the characters. Arun Govil reprised his role as Lord Rama in the Hindi version, accompanied by Amrish Puri as Ravana, Namrata Sawhney as Sita, and Shatrughan Sinha as the narrator. The English version featured notable names like Rahul Bose, Pearl Padamsee, and Cyrus Broacha. Impressively, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama boasts a remarkable rating of 9.2 on IMDb, surpassing other Ramayana adaptations, including the acclaimed TV series by Ramanand Sagar.
Unconventional Casting and Narration:
An interesting twist in the film’s journey occurred when it underwent editing and adaptation for a United States release in 2001. The character of Lord Rama, initially voiced by Arun Govil, was replaced by none other than Bryan Cranston, who would later gain international fame for his iconic portrayal of Walter White in the hit series Breaking Bad. Additionally, the legendary James Earl Jones, famous for lending his voice to Darth Vader in the Star Wars films, provided the narration for the adapted version, adding a unique dimension to the film’s global appeal.
The Ban on Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama:
Despite receiving accolades and international recognition, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama faced a ban within India for over three years. The film’s release was obstructed due to the polarized and communal environment prevailing during the Babri Masjid riots, which caused significant social unrest. The ban was imposed to prevent potential controversy and further exacerbation of tensions during that time. However, in 1995, the Hindi version of the film was finally aired on Doordarshan, marking its delayed but eventual release within the country. Presently, both the Hindi and English versions of the film can be found on YouTube, allowing audiences to experience this unique adaptation.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, directed by Yugo Sako, stands as a significant milestone in the world of Ramayana adaptations. Despite being banned in India for several years due to the sensitive sociopolitical climate, the film garnered international acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and unconventional casting choices. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Lord Rama and the narration by James Earl Jones added an intriguing allure to this forgotten gem. With its high rating and availability on digital platforms, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama remains a captivating cinematic experience for enthusiasts of the epic tale.