The Genesis of a Revolutionary Animation: Yugo Sako and the Ramayana
In 1983, Japanese director and producer Yugo Sako had a groundbreaking idea for an Indo-Japanese collaboration collaboration that left a significant landmark in the animation landscape. While working on a documentary in India, Sako was introduced to the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. The story of Lord Ram, his exile, Sita’s abduction, and their eventual return to the kingdom of Ayodhya struck a deep chord within him. So much so that Sako read 10 different versions of the Ramayana in Japanese, seeking to understand the layers of this timeless saga.
Sako envisioned an animated adaptation that would blend Japanese animation with traditional Indian storytelling, creating a unique and culturally rich film experience. He was determined to bring this powerful epic to the world stage, in a format that could reach a global audience beyond cultural barriers.
Backlash and Controversy during an Indo-Japanese Collaboration
Despite his passion and vision, Sako’s idea faced considerable opposition. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) expressed strong disapproval of the concept of an animated Ramayana. They argued that depicting Lord Ram in animation would dishonor the sanctity of the story. However, Sako remained resolute, stating, “Because Ram is God, I felt it was best to depict him in animation rather than by an actor.
To overcome these cultural concerns, Sako explained the significance of animation in Japanese culture and emphasized that an animated version of the Ramayana could resonate with a much wider global audience. Eventually, the Indian government came to an understanding, allowing the production to move forward.
However, Sako’s troubles were far from over. During this period, political unrest in India was at its peak. The Babri Masjid was unlocked by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, granting the Hindu community access to worship at the idol of Lord Ram inside. The country was deeply divided, facing religious tensions. These circumstances led to Sako and his team leaving India without any producers.
Collaborative Effort: Bringing the Ramayana to Life
With no options left, the Ramayana animation film had to rely on funding from Japan. But the Indo-Japanese collaboration didn’t stop there. Artists from both India and Japan came together to bring this project to light. The Indian crew played a crucial role, guiding their Japanese counterparts through the intricacies of Indian customs and traditions, such as the proper way to wear a dhoti.
Bringing the epic tale to life, the film was guided by the visionary hands of three masters: the Father of Indian Animation, Ram Mohan, Japanese animation legend Yugo Sako, and the skilled Koichi Sasaki, each contributing their unique artistic touch to the timeless saga.
Yugo Sako chose hand-drawn animation over digital animation. The team consisted of over 450 artists and 100,000 hand-drawn cells. Many animators who worked on the film went on to work on iconic projects such as Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Doraemon, and films from Studio Ghibli.
Global Reception of an Indo-Japanese collaboration – The Legend of Prince Ram
The film premiered in New Delhi in 1993 at the 24th International Film Festival of India, where it garnered praise and captivated audiences with its stunning animation.
Veteran actors like Arun Govil (Ram), Amrish Puri (Ravan), and Shatrughan Sinha (Narrator) dubbed the Hindi version. While the U.S. release, The Prince of Light: The Legend of Ramayana, was dubbed by renowned actors such as Bryan Cranston voicing Ram, with James Earl Jones narrating.
A New Era of Viewing
A remastered 4K version of the animation is set for release in India on January 24th, 2025. While the original Hindi dub couldn’t be restored, a fresh ensemble of talented voice actors has breathed new life into the iconic characters.
The remaster offers a chance to rediscover this visually stunning and culturally rich adaptation of the ancient epic. With its renewed voice cast and timeless animation, it promises to captivate both new audiences and long-time fans alike.
Liked what you read?
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on cinema.Thank you!