Legend of Ramayana is Retold in Upcoming Animated 'Princess Sita'

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –India’s legend of Ramayana is retold in the upcoming animated feature “Princess Sita," from veteran producer Jainardhan Sathyan. The film is now in pre-production.

“With society becoming more open to different points of view and perspectives it feels worthwhile and meaningful to tell the great legend of Ramayana from the matriarchal, feminine vantage point of Princess Sita,” Sathyan said. “Sita not only has so much to offer audiences across societies and cultures, but also to provide a fresh perspective on a legendary epic – a story every family should know.”

The film, written and directed by Paul Hamilton Magid (“The Guardian Monk”), tells the story of Princess Sita of the epic The Ramayana and how she becomes the object of desire by many, and how she exhibits and proves her tremendous inner strength and character in the face of great adversity throughout her lifetime. Despite facing many ordeals, she never lessens her efforts – at great personal cost – to remain an inspiration to the world.

“I was drawn to write a modern retelling of the Princess Sita story for so many reasons as to inspire audiences of all ages, genders and nationalities,” Magid said. “Sita as a protagonist has undeniably stood the test of time in resonating with hundreds of millions of people in how we can all overcome the adversities we inevitably face, but it’s almost as if she was waiting for society to catch up to her and truly value women’s incredible courage, strength, integrity, and determination against overwhelming odds. It is my pleasure to manifest the timeless Sita for modern audiences everywhere.”

Sathyan spent nearly eight years developing Sita’s story into a modern telling of a legendary tale that would resonate with today’s audiences. “The film’s message is that Sita can be a spiritual North Star for people across the world,” Sathyan said. “We can learn that while life throws adversities at all of us, we can triumph over the inherent challenges by summoning integrity, inner strength and high-level character.”

The film is now casting and is scheduled to begin shooting later this year, with release set for spring 2023.

Sathyan's other films include the upcoming action thriller “Vendetta,” starring Bruce Willis and Thomas Jane. His other work includes “Archenemy,” “The Matchmaker’s Playbook,” “The Trouble with Mistletoe,” “God’s Club” and others.