However, time has been kind to the film. Once the political dust settled, audiences rediscovered the movie on home video and television broadcasts. A generation of Indian millennials grew up watching the Japanese-language credits roll, realizing that foreign hands could handle their mythology with more respect than domestic studios often did.
Indian scholars and artists meticulously reviewed the script, costume designs, and architectural layouts to ensure absolute cultural and historical authenticity.
To respect cultural nuances, Sako collaborated directly with Ram Mohan, often heralded as the "Father of Indian Animation". Indian artists traveled to Japan to guide the animators on intricate details, including how traditional dhotis wrap, architectural authenticity, and how children bow to seek blessings from elders. Furthermore, the production team featured high-profile Japanese animators—including Hiroyuki Horiuchi and Toshiya Nidome—who frequently lent their talents to monumental Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service . DVD Formats, Regional Releases, and Packaging Variations