The Unprecedented Viral Sensation: Exploring the Unrivaled Popularity of This 1993 Anime Movie in India

Highlights

India's anime consumption has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, tracing its origins back to the early 1990s with films like Ramayana: The Legend of the Prince Rama.

The latest live-action adaptation of the Ramayana, called Adipurush, has received criticism from Indian audiences due to its poor execution and failure to capture the essence of the revered text. As a result, interest in the 1993 anime movie has been revived, as many consider it to be a superior adaptation.

The anime industry is currently experiencing significant growth and evolution, surpassing previous heights. The traditional Japanese art of storytelling through animation is making a profound impact globally, attracting a diverse and widespread audience. This success can be attributed to both established and emerging manga authors who are crafting compelling and captivating narratives. The Japanese anime industry is currently in a booming period, witnessing exponential growth not only in the international animation market, but also in various industries such as merchandise, figurines, video games, and more, all inspired by anime. Numerous factors contribute to the international acclaim of anime and manga.

The Ramayana

Adding to the allure of the Japanese anime industry is the fact that many other countries, apart from Japan, have become major consumers of anime, with others poised to follow suit. Among these countries is India, which has experienced a remarkable surge in anime viewership in recent years. While the audience for anime is growing in India, it is worth noting that most Indians have already been engaging with anime for quite some time. Their exposure to anime dates back to the early 1990s, when a significant milestone occurred: the release of an anime movie based on one of India's two epic tales. Directed by Yugo Sako, this movie was titled "Ramayana: The Legend of the Prince Rama."

The Controversy

The Ramayana, one of the two esteemed Indian epics, holds significant sacred value for the Hindu community, which constitutes the majority of the population in India and possesses a strong religious following. It is a revered text among Hindus not only in India but also in other countries such as Nepal and among Hindus living abroad. This epic recounts the tale of Prince Rama from Ayodhya, a region in India, as he embarks on a divine journey to defeat the Rakshasa (demon) king of Lanka Island (now Sri Lanka) and rescue his abducted wife, Seeta, who was held captive by the latter. The magnificence of the Ramayana lies in its profound teachings and moral values, which readers can embrace in their own lives, leading to a purposeful and rewarding existence.

While the story of the Ramayana is straightforward and easy to understand, it remains captivating and engrossing throughout, thanks to its immensely unique characters, each possessing a variety of traits. Some of these characters are revered as deities of great significance and prestige in Hinduism (originally Sanatan religion or Dharma), such as Lord Rama himself, Mother Seeta, and Lord Hanuman. Hindus hold their religion and deities in high regard, exhibiting a strong sense of protection and sentimentality. In India, it is quite common to find movies based on epics like the Ramayana, with numerous adaptations made over the years. However, the recent live-action cinematic adaptation called Adipurush (First/Supreme Man) has sparked a major controversy, leading to the resurgence of a 1993 anime movie becoming viral in India after all these years.

A 1993 Anime Movie Going Viral

The latest live-action cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana has sparked controversy for its poor quality, leading not only Hindus but the entire Indian audience to criticize the movie's creators. Adipurush is riddled with numerous flaws, making it a disappointing rendition of a revered epic. The adaptation has deviated so significantly from the original text that it fails to capture even a fraction of its essence.

{{h1_placeholder_4}}: Adipurush has received widespread criticism for its subpar dialogues, excessive overacting, lackluster visual effects, and underwhelming CGI. Additionally, the inaccurate costume designs and the disappointing adaptation of the revered Hindu epic, Ramayana, have left audiences feeling both upset and furious. Consequently, a significant portion of the viewership has either discouraged others from watching the film or completely boycotted it. It is disheartening that a staggering budget of approximately 700 crores INR (equivalent to 7 billion USD) was squandered on this project, when it could have been better utilized by the creators of Adipurush.

Ramayana: The Legend of the Prince Rama, an anime film based on the epic Ramayana, was released in 1993 in India and Japan. It was a collaboration between Indian animation pioneer Ram Mohan and renowned Japanese director Yugo Sako. The movie was co-produced by both India and Japan under the newly established production studio, Nippon Ramayana Film Co., Ltd. Sako's inspiration for the project came from his involvement in a documentary called The Ramayana Relics, which explored the excavations conducted by Dr. B. B. Lal in 1983. Fascinated by the story, Sako delved into 10 different versions of the Ramayana and decided to create an animated adaptation.

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has recently gained immense popularity in India, surpassing its initial success upon release. This surge in interest can be attributed to the disappointment surrounding Adipurush, as Indian audiences seek solace in the exceptional anime classic created by Yugo Sako, a Japanese director. Sako's ability to produce a visually stunning and engaging adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, surpassing the efforts of the Indian director and writer of Adipurush, has greatly impressed the Indian audience. The captivating storytelling style, narrated alongside beautiful visuals, has been well-received. As a result, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has finally received the recognition and appreciation it rightfully deserves from Indian viewers, solidifying its status as a cult classic in the country. Furthermore, the growing popularity of anime and manga in India has contributed to the viral success of the adaptation. The film can be streamed on its official YouTube channel.