Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (2024) Review | Yudhvir Dahiya

Release Date: October 18, 2024
Format: 2D
Languages: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, English
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Genre: Adventure, Anime, Drama, Mythological
Rating: U (Universal)

The 2024 adaptation of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is a visually captivating retelling of the timeless Indian epic, Ramayana. Originally a collaborative Japanese-Indian animation project in 1992, this film has been revamped to offer a modern take with a unique fusion of Indian mythology and Japanese anime styles. Directed by Yugo Sako, this version continues to honor the traditional narrative, while breathing new life into the animation and storytelling. The movie stars Yudhvir Dahiya as Prince Rama, with supporting performances from Thyagarajan and others.

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (2024) Review | Yudhvir Dahiya

The story of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama centers around Prince Ram, the exiled prince of Ayodhya, who embarks on an epic quest to rescue his beloved wife, Sita, after she is abducted by the demon king, Ravan. As Ram ventures deep into the forests and towards the kingdom of Lanka, he encounters allies like Hanuman and the vanara army, who assist him in his mission. The film portrays Ram’s unwavering dedication to his duty, righteousness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

This version stays true to Valmiki’s epic but presents the story in a style that blends the artistic sensibilities of both Indian and Japanese animation traditions. It’s an exciting adventure, with moments of emotional depth that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama Castings

Yudhvir Dahiya as Prince Ram
Yudhvir Dahiya delivers a compelling performance as the brave and righteous Prince Ram. His portrayal strikes a balance between a compassionate husband and a fearless warrior. His voice brings gravitas to the character, making it both inspiring and relatable. Whether in moments of introspection or during action-packed sequences, Yudhvir’s voice work captures Ram’s inner strength and sense of duty perfectly.

Thyagarajan as Ravan
As the demon king Ravan, Thyagarajan adds a powerful dimension to the antagonist. His deep, commanding voice reflects the arrogance and complexity of Ravan, a villain who is not merely evil but also a king with a tragic flaw. His performance elevates the character’s role, making him a formidable adversary to Ram.

Animation and Visual Style

One of the major highlights of the film is its animation, which merges traditional Japanese anime techniques with Indian visual aesthetics. The updated animation retains the fluid, vibrant style of the original, with character designs that reflect both the divine and human aspects of the epic’s characters. The battle scenes, especially Ram’s final confrontation with Ravan, are beautifully choreographed, with sweeping landscapes, dynamic action, and intricate detail in every frame.

The influence of Japanese animation brings a certain elegance to the storytelling. Characters are portrayed with sharp, expressive designs, and the use of color enhances the mythical atmosphere of the film. The depiction of Lanka, the golden kingdom, and the forests of India evoke the grandeur and magic of ancient times.

Direction and Screenplay

Yugo Sako, the director, has masterfully merged Indian mythology with a Japanese anime aesthetic. His direction respects the source material, ensuring that the core values of the Ramayana—honor, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle of good versus evil—remain intact. The screenplay flows smoothly, keeping the essence of the original while introducing modern touches to make it more accessible to contemporary audiences.

The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet introspection seamlessly transitioning into high-octane action sequences. The scenes between Ram and Sita, as well as Ram’s interactions with his loyal allies like Hanuman, are emotionally charged and beautifully written.

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama Trailer

Video: YouTube

The music in Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is a crucial element, complementing the action, drama, and emotional weight of the story. The soundtrack, heavily influenced by both Indian classical and Japanese traditional music, creates an immersive experience. The background score intensifies the emotional moments, such as the separation of Ram and Sita, and energizes the epic battles, especially the climactic duel between Ram and Ravan.

The chants, the orchestration during pivotal scenes, and the melodies associated with each character make the score a memorable part of the film’s overall impact. The musical integration helps bring out the spiritual and emotional layers of the story.

Summary

RoleName
MovieRamayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
Lead ActorYudhvir Dahiya
Supporting ActorThyagarajan
DirectorYugo Sako
Release Date18 Oct, 2024
Duration2h 15m
GenreAdventure, Anime, Drama, Mythological
LanguageHindi, Telugu, Tamil, English
ClassificationU
Based onValmiki’s Ramayana

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (2024) is a brilliant retelling of one of India’s greatest epics, blending stunning animation with profound storytelling. It offers a visual feast for anime lovers while staying true to the roots of Indian mythology. The strong performances by the voice actors, coupled with the beautiful animation and emotionally resonant soundtrack, make this film a must-watch for fans of mythological tales, anime, and adventure films.

Whether you’re revisiting the story of Ramayana or experiencing it for the first time, this adaptation delivers on both spectacle and emotional depth, making it a remarkable cinematic experience.