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Ramayana The Legend of Prince Rama review: A triumphant adaptation of the epic

Despite its age, the animation holds up remarkably well. The digital remastering ensures that the visuals, already lauded three decades ago, shine even brighter on the big screen, a testament to Suko’s artistic vision. For those scarred by recent, less successful Ramayana adaptations, “The Legend of Prince Rama” offers a welcome balm.

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Yugo Suko’s “The Legend of Prince Rama,” a 1992 animated masterpiece, finally graces Indian theatres, fueled by nostalgia and a stunning 4K remaster. For generations, this adaptation of the Ramayana has been a cherished memory, viewed countless times on Doordarshan and YouTube, in both Hindi and English dubs. But the big-screen experience transcends mere nostalgia; it’s a revelation. Witnessing Suko’s era-defining animation in breathtaking 4K is a cinematic event in itself, justifying the theatrical release.

The film recounts a pivotal section of the epic, encompassing Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction, and the subsequent war between Sugriva’s Vanara army and Ravana’s demons. While the story is familiar to most Indians, the film’s power lies in its seamless blend of timeless animation and the simplicity of the original narrative.

Despite its age, the animation holds up remarkably well. The digital remastering ensures that the visuals, already lauded three decades ago, shine even brighter on the big screen, a testament to Suko’s artistic vision. For those scarred by recent, less successful Ramayana adaptations, “The Legend of Prince Rama” offers a welcome balm.

The new dubbing, however, presents a mixed bag. Replacing the iconic voices of Amrish Puri, Arun Govil, and Shatrughan Sinha from the original, it initially feels jarring, particularly the disconnect between the familiar visuals and unfamiliar voices.

Yet, the new dub is not inherently bad; it’s simply a product of its time, adopting a more dramatic, cinematic style befitting a modern theatrical release. It contrasts with the simpler style of Ramanand Sagar’s influential television series, offering a more heightened, theatrical delivery. Importantly, the new dub complements the animation without overshadowing it, preserving the narrative’s inherent simplicity.

The soundtrack, featuring Sanskrit versions of classic tracks like “Janani Main Raamdoot Hanuman” and “Vaanar Sena,” might feel unfamiliar to those accustomed to the Hindi versions. But Vanraj Bhatia’s music remains enchanting, seamlessly integrated into the film’s tapestry. For newcomers to this adaptation, the change will be barely noticeable.

“The Legend of Prince Rama,” while arguably the best animated Ramayana adaptation, isn’t without flaws. Its simplified portrayal of Ravana, omitting his intellectual depth and presenting him solely as an evil asura, feels reductive. Similarly, the exclusion of Sita’s agni-pariksha streamlines the narrative but sacrifices some essential nuances.

The unnecessary inclusion of an intermission also detracts from the viewing experience. Despite these minor shortcomings, “The Legend of Prince Rama” remains a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience, a must-see for both nostalgic viewers and newcomers alike.

Entertainment

Gaurav Khanna wins Bigg Boss 19, lifts trophy and Rs 50 lakh prize

Gaurav Khanna has been crowned the winner of Bigg Boss 19, securing the trophy and Rs 50 lakh after a competitive finale.

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Television actor Gaurav Khanna has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 19, bringing the curtain down on a season packed with drama, intense face-offs and emotional moments. He secured the top spot after a closely fought finale, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the first runner-up.

Gaurav Khanna’s steady game pays off

Premiering on August 24 with 18 contestants, the season showcased shifting alliances, sharp strategies and memorable confrontations. Despite being seen as quiet in the early weeks, Gaurav Khanna gradually emerged as one of the strongest voices inside the house. His composed demeanour and calculated task performance helped him build momentum through the competition.

Farhana Bhatt ends as runner-up

Farhana Bhatt, known for her dynamic presence and determination throughout the season, finished second. Although she narrowly missed the title, her journey remained one of the standout tracks of the show.

Finale eliminations

The grand finale began with multiple eliminations — Amaal Mallik was the first finalist to bow out, followed by Tanya Mittal, and then Pranit More, leaving Gaurav and Farhana as the top two contenders.
Gaurav ultimately lifted the trophy and took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.

With the conclusion of Bigg Boss 19, the show wraps another season marked by strategy, rivalry and heartfelt moments that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.

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Entertainment

Dhurandhar review: Ranveer Singh roars back, Akshaye Khanna shines in intense spy thriller

Ranveer Singh returns with a ferocious performance in Dhurandhar, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and a gripping espionage storyline set against real historical events.

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Dhurandhar review

Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.

A brutal world built around revenge and espionage

Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.

The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.

Performances that elevate the film

Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.

Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.

Music, violence, and a split narrative

Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.

The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.

Ending that sets up part two

While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.

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Entertainment

120 Bahadur box office day 1: Farhan Akhtar’s film starts slow with Rs 2.35 crore opening

Farhan Akhtar’s new release 120 Bahadur opened to Rs2.35 crore, while De De Pyaar De 2 continued its strong hold on day eight.

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Farhan akhtar

Farhan Akhtar’s latest release 120 Bahadur hit theatres on November 21 but registered a dull opening on its first day, earning Rs 2.35 crore. In comparison, De De Pyaar De 2, which is now in its second week, continues to show stronger hold at the box office.

Slow start for 120 Bahadur on day one

The action-drama opened to modest numbers on Friday, collecting Rs2.35 crore on its first day. Despite pre-release buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s performance, the film has begun its run on the lower side.

De De Pyaar De 2 maintains its advantage

Meanwhile, De De Pyaar De 2 continues its steady run. On its eighth day, the film maintained an edge over 120 Bahadur in overall earnings, according to media. The strong hold of the Ajay Devgn-led sequel appears to have impacted the new release’s opening day business.

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