With the highly anticipated release of “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” in Indian theatres after a 32-year wait, now remastered in 4K by Geek Pictures India, the excitement among anime and mythology enthusiasts has been immense. This cinematic masterpiece, originally a collaboration between Indian and Japanese creators, has found new life on the big screen, reaching a wider audience than ever before. Team Otaku Mantra had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Moksha Modgill, the CEO of Geek Pictures India, to discuss the journey of bringing this legendary film back to theatres, its impact on the anime community in India, and the cultural exchange between India and Japan.
Exclusive Interview with Ms Moksha Modgill
1. The remastered Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has garnered immense interest in India. How do you feel about the reception it has received so far?
I’m absolutely overjoyed by the warm reception that the film’s release has received across the country. Creators from both Japan and India joined forces decades ago to bring this retelling of the Ramayana to life. To have been able to bring it to Indian audiences in multiple languages has been an extremely fulfilling journey for the team at Geek Pictures. We have always viewed this as not just a film but as a cultural artefact, and to have been able to give it the widest release ever for a Japanese film in India is the best way in which we could honor the original makers. The nostalgia of an entire generation of Indians is attached to this film, and we’ve received a lot of support and encouragement from audiences.
2. What inspired Geek Pictures to bring Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama back to audiences after all these years?
As an Indo-Japanese company, Geek Pictures plays a key role in bridging cultural content between the two countries. The Ramayana is an intrinsic part of our heritage, and this film is a rare blend of a story rooted in Indian values, told beautifully through the Japanese art form of anime. It deeply resonated with us, and we were determined to give this cinematic masterpiece the widest possible theatrical release in India after it was remastered in 4K. On a personal note, I wanted to make anime accessible to today’s generation. What better way to do that than through a film as timeless as Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama. It bridges cultures and generations beautifully. I spent my formative years in Japan and truly believe in the beauty and artistry of anime.
3. The film blends Indian mythology with Japanese animation. How do you think this collaboration has influenced global interest in the story?
The Ramayana is a story of relationships, the triumph of good over evil, harmony between nature and living beings, and above all, friendship and trust. There is a universality to these themes that transcends boundaries, and I think that is this film’s greatest appeal. Right from the time when the film was conceived by its original makers, it has been a visionary project that showcases the artistic triumph of two rich cultures coming together, making Valmiki’s Ramayana accessible to viewers worldwide.
4. Anime is growing rapidly in India. How do you see the Indian anime community evolving in the coming years?
The anime market has seen rapid growth in India, and I am keen to continue bringing more content that appeals to this community. It’s amazing to see how this close-knit group of fans is evolving into one of the most influential voices in popular culture. Anime is not just an art form; it is also an extraordinary form of storytelling. It resonates universally, connecting with people across generations. In India, we are witnessing young people engage collectively, which is truly heartwarming. I believe we’re only beginning to explore its potential in India.
5. Are there any initiatives Geek Pictures is planning to engage more with the Indian anime fan-base?
Absolutely! Geek Pictures is excited about expanding its connection with the Indian anime fanbase. One of our key initiatives is to establish our very own anime school. It’s in the early stages, and we plan to launch it this March with workshops led by Japanese industry experts. The idea is to create a space that not only nurtures emerging anime artists but also fosters a vibrant and supportive community of geeks. We want to provide a platform where creativity can thrive, and fans can feel truly connected to the art and culture of anime.
6. How important is it for studios like yours to consider the preferences of Indian anime fans?
At Geek Pictures, we recognize anime as an exceptional art form that has the power to connect deeply with audiences across cultures. Our vision is to provide anime enthusiasts not just content to enjoy but also a platform to explore the vast world of anime together. We continue to collaborate and engage closely with anime communities across Indian cities and towns in our attempt to bridge the cultures of Japan and India, and in the process, we want to continue to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and bring stories that resonate with fans in India and beyond.
7. How do you see Geek Pictures contributing to cultural exchange between India and Japan through animation?
At Geek Pictures India, we see ourselves as a bridge connecting two rich and historic cultures—India and Japan. We are a youth-driven force, both as a team and as a vision. By bringing a diverse range of Japanese content and IPs to India, we’re fostering a long-lasting cultural connection, allowing audiences to appreciate the creativity, values, and stories of both nations in an engaging and meaningful way.
Conclusion
The return of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama to Indian theatres is not just a cinematic event but a cultural celebration. With initiatives like an anime school and continued efforts to bring Japanese content to India, Geek Pictures India is playing a pivotal role in shaping the anime landscape in the country. As anime continues to grow in popularity, collaborations like this only strengthen the bond between India and Japan, opening doors for more cultural exchanges in the future.
What are your thoughts on Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama returning to theatres? Let us know in the comments below!
