Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana sparks interest in 1993 animated classic
- Nitesh Tiwari's live-action Ramayana earned Rs 221.05 crore worldwide in its opening weekend.
- Yugo Sako’s animated version was originally hindered by protests in the 1990s.
- A 4K restoration of the 1993 film was released in India in January 2025.
- Fans on social media are comparing the two versions, praising the 1993 film's characterization.
Nitesh Tiwari's live-action film Ramayana earned 221.05 crore rupees worldwide during its opening weekend following a November 5, 2026, theatrical release. The film, which debuted during the Diwali festival, earned 100 crore rupees within India and 200 crore rupees globally after two days.
Namit Malhotra produced the two-part cinematic adaptation, which is a major theatrical release of the year.
This release holds significance as it has triggered a renewed interest in the 1993 Indo-Japanese animated classic, which is currently trending alongside the new blockbuster's performance. The Hindi version is the largest domestic contributor to the worldwide box office total.
Ranbir Kapoor stars in the project, which was released in early November 2026 alongside Yash. Projections anticipated an opening day collection of 125 crore rupees.
Outside of his film work, Kapoor holds a professional membership with The Recording Academy. He also recently advertised a social media internship at Mass Appeal on his LinkedIn profile.
Kapoor additionally shared content regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which takes place in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He also commented on a social media post to congratulate a user named Aidan.
The 1993 animated film remains a gold standard
This Indo-Japanese production uses hand-drawn animation to cover the exile of Ram, the abduction of Sita, and the war with Ravana. Vanraj Bhatia composed the musical score for the film.
Actor Arun Govil provides the Hindi voice for Rama, while Bryan Cranston voices the character in English. The film depicts a youthful, graceful, and agile version of the deity.
Historical obstacles faced by the 1993 production
The film did not receive a theatrical release in India during the 1990s. The production faced delays due to heightened religious and political sensitivities following the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent communal riots.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad led opposition to the project, protesting a foreign filmmaker’s adaptation of the epic. Critics also objected to the animated portrayal of Lord Rama and Sita, which they deemed unacceptable. While the film premiered in Japan on November 3, 1997, these challenges limited its presence in Indian theaters.
4K restoration and social media resurgence
Geek Pictures India launched a 4K re-release of the film across India in January 2025. The distributor released the film in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Some viewers on the social media platform X praised the depiction of Ravana. These users said the characterization was more accurate than modern AI-enhanced versions.
Yugo Sako's vision for the animated epic
B. B. Lal.
Sako chose animation for his adaptation because he regarded Lord Rama as a god. He felt the animation format was more appropriate for the subject matter.
Four decades of Ramayana adaptations
Indian screens have featured adaptations of the Ramayana for four decades. These productions range from the Ramanand Sagar television series to an upcoming two-part cinematic spectacle.
Indian media reports that 10 films and television shows based on the epic are currently in release.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ranbir Kapoor (linkedin.com)
- Amid Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's Ramayana release, netizens share clips from Japanese filmmaker Yugo Sako's R (m.economictimes.com)
- As Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana releases, 10 films and TV shows based on the epic, ranked | Entertainment News - The Indian Express (indianexpress.com)
- How the Ramayana has evolved on Indian screens over four decades (forbesindia.com)
- As Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Dominates, Japanese Filmmaker Yugo Sako's Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama Trends Again (ndtv.com)
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