THE INDO-JAPANESE animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama returned to cinemas today, January 24, 2025, after 32 years. The film has been remastered in 4K quality with upgraded sound and is now available in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu. The release follows a long journey to bring the film to Indian audiences.
Originally released in 1993, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is a collaboration between Indian and Japanese filmmakers. The project began in the 1980s when Japanese filmmaker Yugo Sako, inspired by the Ramayana, decided to adapt it into an animated film. Sako believed animation could better convey the divine aspects of characters such as Lord Rama compared to live-action.
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The film combines Japanese manga and Disney-style animation with traditional Indian art, drawing particular inspiration from the works of Ravi Varma. The aim was to create a film that reflected the essence of the Ramayana while making it accessible to a global audience.
Despite receiving international acclaim and premiering at the International Film Festival of India in 1993, the film faced significant backlash in India. The depiction of Hindu gods by Japanese animators sparked controversy. At the time, India was experiencing a politically volatile period, marked by the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the demolition of the Babri Masjid. These events heightened communal tensions, complicating the film’s distribution.
Conservative religious groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), opposed the portrayal of Hindu deities by foreign filmmakers. Citing concerns over potential unrest, the Indian government delayed the release of the film, which was eventually banned.
Experience the epic tale of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama.Instagram/excelmovies
After being barred from theatres, the film premiered on Doordarshan, India's state-run television channel, in 1995. The Hindi-dubbed version, featuring Arun Govil as Rama and Amrish Puri as Ravana, introduced the epic to Indian audiences. Despite the controversy surrounding its initial release, the film gained recognition for its animation and portrayal of the Ramayana.
Today marks the return of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama to cinemas, remastered in 4K with enhanced audio and visuals. The theatrical release coincides with renewed interest in the Ramayana epic, reflected in adaptations like Om Raut's Adipurush and the upcoming film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.
The remastered version allows a new generation to experience the story in updated clarity, highlighting the historical ties between Japan and India. The re-release underscores the enduring appeal of cross-cultural storytelling.
Unfold the legend of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince RamaGetty Images
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama highlights intercultural understanding and universal storytelling. After decades of delays and controversies, the film has finally reached Indian theatres, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Ramayana and the significance of cultural collaboration.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.