After seeing the financial success of producing animated films beyond mainstream children’s genres, Indian production houses are now attempting to create full-length animated films, both 2D and 3D, based on popular Indian mythological stories, particularly the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana, and their characters. Here’s a list of high-quality animated films made on Indian mythology.
Ramayana – Legend of Prince Ram (1993)
The 1993 anime film “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” is an adaptation of the Hindu epic “The Ramayana”. The movie portrays Lord Rama’s battle against the evil king Ravana and his mission to rescue his wife Devi Sita. Co-produced by India and Japan, the film has a high rating of 9.1 on IMDB and was directed by Yugo Sako.
Mahabharat (2013)
The “Mahabharata” film is directed by Amaan Khan and was released on December 25th, 2013. Although the quality of the film was good and featured many popular stars from Bollywood for its voice acting, the movie did not perform well at the box office. It was produced at a cost of Rs 50 crore but did not make more than Rs 1.5 crore at the box office. It received only a 5.3 rating on IMDB.
Ramayana: The Epic (2010)
Ramayana – The Epic, a stunning 3D feature film depicting the tale of Lord Rama’s quest to save his beloved wife Devi Sita from the clutches of the wicked King Ravana, was released on October 15th, 2010, after five years of meticulous planning and production. Despite its breathtaking visuals, the film received a rating of 5.8 out of 10 on IMDB.
Hanuman (2005)
One of India’s financially successful animated movies is based on the legend of Lord Hanuman during his childhood. It was India’s first full-length animated movie to be released directly in theaters. The film collected over Rs. 8 crore and was declared a box office hit.
Krishna – The Birth (2006)
Lord Krishna is one of the most popular deities in India, with thousands of temples dedicated to him in every corner of the country. The animated movie “Krishna – The Birth” attempts to portray the miraculous birth of Lord Vishnu in the form of baby Krishna to Vasudev and Devi Devaki.
Krishna Aur Kans (2012)
Krishna Aur Kans, a 2D animated cartoon aimed at young children, was released in 2012. The movie was produced in four official languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. Following its release, the film was made tax-free in six states for a period of six months.
Sons of Ram (2012)
Sons of Rama is an Indian animated film produced by ACK Animation Studios. It was released on November 2, 2012, and received a rating of 7.6 out of 10 on IMDb. The movie is based on the story of Lord Rama’s two sons, Lava and Kusha.
Arjun: The Warrior Prince (2012)
“Arjun – The Warrior Prince” was released on May 25, 2012, and is considered one of the best Indian mythological films for its unique animation style. However, despite being a solid all-rounder, the movie did not perform well at the box office. It is loosely based on the story of how Arjuna became the greatest warrior and archer of his time.
Ghatothkach, Master Of Magic (2008)
“Ghatothkach Master Of Magic” is a 3D animated feature film that was released on May 23, 2008. With a rating of 7.2 out of 10 on IMDb, the movie was considered a success. It is based on the life of Ghatothkach, a lesser-known character who was the son of Bhima and Hidimba.
The Dashavatar Animated (2008)
Amidst the plethora of films, both traditional and animated, one gem that stands out is the “Dashavatar”. This animated masterpiece, released in 2008, chronicles the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. With a rating of 6.3 on IMDb, it is a visual spectacle that enchants audiences of all ages.
Bal Ganesh (2007)
Take a trip down memory lane with Bal Ganesh, the delightful 3D animated movie that brings to life the charming tales of Lord Ganesha as the playful son of Lord Shiva. Since its release in 2007, this movie has remained a timeless hit and is still enjoyed by children today through its frequent airings on kids’ TV channels.
The Legend Of Buddha (2004)
Step into the fascinating world of “The Legend of Buddha”, a 2D animated Indian film that chronicles the journey of Prince Siddhartha Gautama. Follow him as he forsakes his kingdom to embark on a quest to attain spiritual enlightenment and ultimately becomes known as the Buddha. With a rating of 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb, this visually stunning movie offers a captivating glimpse into the life of one of the most revered figures in history.
