The timeless epic “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” has made a stunning comeback to cinemas, captivating audiences across generations. Originally released 31 years ago, this legendary animated film is witnessing a resurgence that is rewriting box office narratives and setting new benchmarks for re-releases in the Indian film industry.
The Revival of a Legendary Tale
In recent years, the trend of re-releasing classic films has gained significant momentum, with several iconic movies being reintroduced to theaters. Films like “Veer-Zaara” and “Laila Majnu” have proven that nostalgia sells, often outperforming contemporary releases. However, the re-release of “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” stands apart due to its cultural significance and storytelling brilliance.
Originally crafted in the early 1990s, this animated adaptation of the Ramayana failed to garner widespread attention during its initial release. Over the decades, however, it has achieved cult status, with growing admiration for its animation, narrative depth, and faithfulness to the epic. After overwhelming demand from fans, the film was finally re-released in theaters on January 24, 2025.
Box Office Success: Breaking Records and Surpassing Expectations
The re-release of “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite competition from big-budget films, it has managed to secure impressive box office collections, cementing its place as a beloved cinematic masterpiece.
Here is a breakdown of the box office performance:
- Day 1 (Opening Day): ₹40 lakh
- Day 2: ₹70 lakh
- Day 3: ₹1 crore
- Day 4 (Monday): ₹40 lakh
- Lifetime Collection (so far): ₹2.5 crore
These figures highlight the film’s sustained popularity, with consistent earnings even on weekdays. The Monday test, often considered a critical indicator of a film’s longevity, was a success for “Ramayana”, as it outperformed newer films such as Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency.”
Outshining Contemporary Releases
One of the most remarkable achievements of “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” is its ability to surpass modern films at the box office. For instance, Kangana Ranaut’s political drama “Emergency” earned just ₹20 lakh on Monday, while “Ramayana” doubled that amount with ₹40 lakh.
Moreover, the film outperformed “Azad,” which managed a total collection of ₹5.90 crore in 11 days but struggled to find an audience. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar’s “Sky Force” remains a strong competitor, with ₹68 crore earned in four days. Yet, the steady earnings of “Ramayana” amidst such fierce competition speak volumes about its enduring appeal.