'Ramayana', considered to be India's biggest film till date, has been released on a large scale across the world. The film has been released on more screens internationally than any other Indian film. Keeping in mind the foreign audience, the makers have also prepared a shorter version of the film, which has been named 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend'. However, in the initial reactions, foreign audiences seem to prefer the longer Hindi version of the film rather than the shorter English version.
Tezzbuzz Desk – The Hindi version of 'Ramayana' has a duration of 3 hours 18 minutes, while the duration of the international version 'Rise of a Legend' is 2 hours 48 minutes. That means there is a difference of about 30 minutes between the two versions. In the shorter version, many songs, musical sequences and some important parts explaining the story have been removed. These also include the scene in which Lord Indra, after being defeated by Ravana, comes to Lord Vishnu asking for help.
The international version is dubbed in English. In this, with the help of Brahma AI technology, the lip movements of the characters have been matched with the English dialogues. The makers hoped that the shorter and action-packed version would be more liked by the audience in western countries. However, in initial reviews, many viewers have described the longer Hindi version as better.
Audiences say that in the Hindi version the story is not shown in a hurry and there is full opportunity to understand everything. When a viewer on social media platform Reddit informed that many songs of the film have been removed from the English version, people expressed their displeasure. One user wrote, “It is beyond me why anyone would want to watch a Bollywood film based on such an important text of Indian culture without musical scenes. This is the best part of the film!”
Another user also supported the same and wrote, “Songs removed? This is the best part of Bollywood and Tollywood films!” Many viewers who have watched the longer Hindi version say that the songs of the film are not just for entertainment, but are an important part of the story.
An American viewer said that apart from the usual mass celebration in the film, there is a special dance sequence of Ravana, which is shown after he becomes powerful and is quite spectacular. Another viewer said that removing songs from the film changes the experience of the story. According to him, the musical sequences of the film are different from the usual song and dance style of Bollywood.
After watching the film, a viewer recommended the longer version, saying, “I have just seen the film. My advice is to watch the longer version only. The musical sequences in it are not like Bollywood's typical song and dance style. If they are removed from the film, a part of the story seems to be cut off in a strange way.”
Many foreign viewers have advised to watch the Hindi version with English subtitles instead of watching the English dubbed film. One user wrote, “Watch the Hindi version with subtitles. The version of about 3 hours 15 minutes is worth watching. No important part of the story is left out in it, whereas it seems so in the English version.”
Thus, it is clear from the initial reactions that the complete Hindi version of 'Ramayana' is in discussion even among the foreign audiences. According to the audience, the songs, musical sequences and nuances of the story make the film's experience special and removing them changes the impact of the film.