As India witnesses the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the final chapter in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, it prompts a reflection on the tumultuous Babri Masjid saga. Amidst the plethora of retrospective analyses and timelines, one story remains on the periphery of editorial coverage—the ban on the animated film ‘Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama.’
The year 1992, notorious for the communal riots following the Babri Masjid demolition, was also slated for the release of the animated film ‘Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama.’ However, the film, a co-production between Japanese and Indian filmmakers, never saw the light of day in India.
Directed by Yugo Sako, Ram Mohan, and Koichi Sasaki, the anime adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana seamlessly integrates three animation styles: Manga, Disney, and Ravi Verma.
The ban on the film persisted for over three years, a precautionary measure to prevent further escalation of communal tensions exacerbated by riots in Bombay, Calcutta, and the Babri Masjid demolition.
The depiction of Hindu Gods through animation, coupled with the involvement of Japanese filmmakers, drew the ire of conservative groups. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) even lodged a protest with the Japanese Embassy in Delhi, contending that the film touched upon India’s national heritage, making it unsuitable for cinematic adaptation.
In 1995, Doordarshan finally agreed to premiere the film, breaking the ban and allowing it to reach Indian audiences. The film, dubbed in Hindi, received acclaim globally, including in Japan.
Arun Govil, renowned for portraying Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 ‘Ramayan,’ reprised his role in the Hindi version of ‘Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama.’ Notably, Amrish Puri voiced Ravana, and Shatrughan Sinha lent his narration to the film.
The journey of ‘Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama’ is a testament to the complexities surrounding art, religion, and politics, especially in the wake of events that shape a nation’s destiny.
