Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
Japan/India
1993
Introduction
In Ayodhya, the royal palace of the ancient Indian kingdom of Kosala, four princes born to three queens have grown to magnificent stature. But as a result of palace intrigue, the prince Rama has been banished from the kingdom for 14 years, and lives a secluded life in the forest with his wife, the peerless beauty Sita. Rama has incurred the wrath of the demon king Ravana for having slain a forest demon. Seeing his chance, Ravana abducts Sita. Rama calls for the help of the monkey army to rescue Sita, but his brother Lakshmana is seriously injured in an instant in battle with the powerful Ravana army. Hanuman, the general of the Monkey army, flies to the Himalayas and returns with a mountain of medicinal herbs to heal Lakshmana’s wounds and save his life. Using their celestial weapons, they defeat Ravana’s army and regain Ayodha in triumph.
Director
Koichi Sasaki
Koichi Sasaki was born in 1947. He became independent following directorial work at TopCraft. He was chosen to direct Ramayana by producer Yugo Sako. Sasaki’s numerous other collaborations include Sasuga no sarutobi (‘Amazing Sarutobi’), ojyamanga yamada (‘My Neighbors the Yamadas), kochi kame (‘Tokyo Beat Cops’) and dokidoki densetsu mahojin gurguru (‘Magical Circle Guruguru).
Ram Mohan
Started his career at the Cartoon Films Unit, Films Division of India, Government of India in 1956.
He has received numerous awards and recognition in his career spanning over five decades.
Recognized as the father of Indian Animation, and was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to the Indian Animation Industry.