Ranbir Kapoor's first look as Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana have left people wanting for more. While there are still months to go for the movie to release, there are other adaptations of the epic that you can watch.
From Ramanand Sagar's superhit Ramayana to Adipurush, there's a lot to explore.
Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddha (1963)
Poster of Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddha
Directed by M Nageshwara Rao and MS Nayak, this Kannada film depicts a conflict between Lord Rama and Hanuman. The film stars Rajkumar, Udaykumar, KS Ashwath and Dikki Madhavarao.
Due to its success and popularity, the film was remade in Telugu in 1975 as Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham starringNT Rama Rao.
Where to watch: YouTube
Lava Kusa (1963)
Poster of Lava Kusa
Directed by C Pullayya and CS Rao, this Telugu film is a remake of the 1934 production of the same name, which was also directed by C Pullayya. The story revolves around Lava and Kusa, the twin sons of Rama and Sita.
Interestingly, the film is also the first full-length colour film in Telugu cinema.
The film was a major success it earned over Rs 1 crore. It was later dubbed in Kannada and Hindi.
Where to watch: YouTube
Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971)
Directed by Bapu, this Telugu film depicts the complete life of Lord Rama. Considered one of the best film adaptations of the Ramayana in Telugu cinema, the live adaptation is known for its artistic picturisation and music.
Where to watch: YouTube
Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana (1987-88)
One of the most watched and highest-rated mythological shows in the world, Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana aired on Doordarshan. This adaptation of the ancient epic follows the life of Lord Rama during his exile.
Featuring Arun Govil, Dipika Chikhlia and Arvind Trivedi, the series gained record-breaking popularity. So much so that even Arun Govil, who played Rama and Deepika Chikhlia, who played Sita, were respected deeply by the audience. Fans even touched their feet and sought blessings seeing them as real life Rama and Sita.
Where to watch: YouTube, Airtel Xstream
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (1993)
Based on the Valmiki's Ramayana, this film explores the FUSION style of animation that consists of three different schools of animation-Manga from Japan, Disney from the US and Ravi Varma from India.
The film also got a 4k theatrical release in January last year.
Where to watch: YouTube (available in parts)
Ramayan (2008)
Based on Valmiki's Ramayan, Anand Sagar created this reboot. The series that aired on Imagine TV and received high popularity and ratings, featured Gurmeet Chaudhary as Ram and Debina Bonnerjee as Sita.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Raavan (2010)
A bandit kidnaps an officer's wife, falls in love with her and lets her go, only to realise that she is in love with him. Realising this, her own husband uses her as a scapegoat to reach the bandit.
Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and others.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Siya Ke Ram (2015-16)
A classic epic Ramayana, the story of Ram and Sita, retold through the eyes of the righteous, beautiful and brave Sita. The hit TV show that earned high ratings aired on Star Plus and featured Madirakshi Mundle, Ashish Sharma, Karan Suchak and Danish Akhtar Saifi, among others.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Ram Setu (2022)
This action adventure film directed by Abhishek Sharma stars Akshay Kumar, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Satyadev. The film follows an archaeologist who is investigating the nature of Ram Setu.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, MX Player
Adipurush (2023)
While serving a long exile, a righteous warrior prince sets out on an epic journey across land and sea to rescue his wife from a demon king.
The film, which was simulataneously shot in Hindi and Telugu, features Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon.
Where to watch: Netflix
Shrimad Ramayan (2024)
SET's Shrimad Ramayan brings to life the timeless Hindu epic, the Ramayana, with a deep commitment to authenticity, cultural reverence and contemporary sensibility. The epic narrative of the Ramayana is rooted in the two words, 'Ram' and 'Ayana.' 'Ram' represents the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu, while 'Ayana' signifies a journey. Thus, the Ramayana unfolds through the voyage of Ram, a mortal who ascended to become Purushottam, the paragon among men, transcending his own inherent limitations.
The TV featured Sujay Reu, Prachi Bansal, Basant Bhatt, Nirbhay Wadhwa, Nikitin Dheer, Aarav Chowdhary and Shilpa Saklani.
Where to watch: SonyLiv