Sita Sings the Blues

Sita Sings the Blues is a 2008 animated film written, directed, produced and animated by American artist Nina Paley. It intersperses events from the Ramayana, lighthearted but knowledgeable discussion of historical background by a trio of Indian shadow puppets, musical interludes voiced with tracks by Annette Hanshaw and scenes from the artists own life. The ancient mythological and modern biographical plot are parallel tales, sharing numerous themes.

The plot joins the legend at the exile of prince Rama from his fathers court, at the behest of his fathers favorite queen, Kaikeyi. Having earned the right to any single favor by saving the kings life, Kaikeyi attempts to secure her own sons inheritance over the eldest and favorite, Rama, by ordering him banished from the court. Sita, Ramas wife, determines to accompany her beloved husband, although the woods are dangerous and overrun with demons and evil spirits. The demon king Ravana, encouraged by his spiteful ogress sister, hears of Sitas beauty and determines to kidnap her. He sends a golden hind past their dwelling to distract Rama, who tries to impress Sita by hunting the hind into the woods. In his absence, Ravana abducts Sita and demands that she submit to him on pain of death. Sita remains staunchly devoted to Rama and refuses to entertain the idea Ravana sets a deadline for the ultimatum and Sita waits faithfully for Rama to rescue her.Aided by the monkey prince Hanuman, Rama eventually discovers Sitas location and brings the monkey army to assist in her rescue. Ravana is slain and Sita restored to her husband, although he expresses serious doubts concerning her fidelity during her confinement. She submits to a trial by fire, a test of her purity upon throwing herself into the flames, she is immediately rescued by the gods, who all proclaim her devotion and fidelity. ........

Source: Wikipedia