Sita Sings the Blues

Sita Sings the Blues is a distinctive 2008 animated film that is a melange of rich Indian mythology and 1920s American jazz. Directed by Nina Paley, it stars the voices of Annette Hanshaw, Aseem Chhabra, and Bhavana Nagulapally. The film presents an eclectic mix of diverse elements, beautifully synthesized, making it an enchanting watch for all age groups. A kinetic blend of color, emotion, music, and narrative, the film deeply engages its viewers with its creativity and charm.

The film has a novel and unique storyline. It seamlessly blends the traditional Indian tale of the goddess Sita, her husband Rama and the trials they face, with the modern tale of a heart-broken woman named Nina who finds refuge in Sita's story after her own personal life plunges into turmoil. It is the effective interweaving of the two narratives that gives the film its unique flavor and brings out a poignant commentary on love, loss, and loyalty.

One of the most noticeable features of Sita Sings the Blues is perhaps its vibrant and energetic artwork. The film uses a range of varied animation styles that make each frame a visual treat in itself. There is a palpable playfulness throughout, with the vivid colors and striking imagery adding depth and dimension to the storytelling, appealing directly to the aesthetic appreciator in the audience.

Annette Hanshaw, a jazz singer from the late 1920s, lends her charming voice to the character of Sita. Hanshaw's songs are incorporated for their eerily synchronistic thematic fit with the plotline. Her syncopated melodies and dulcet tones, resonating with the era of classic jazz, provide an interesting counterpoint to the Indian narrative and its traditional setting, creating an enchanting fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.

Aseem Chhabra and Bhavana Nagulapally voice the Indian couple and the Greek Chorus respectively. They introduce a leavening humor to the narrative while further enriching the Indo-Western fusion, drawing parallels between the worlds apart- ancient and contemporary, mythical and mundane.

Not often does one come across a film where the story behind its release is as interesting as the movie itself. Sita Sings the Blues has one such backstory and it's bound to imbue a greater context to your experience while watching the movie. The film was initially tied up in a plethora of copyright issues due to the inclusion of Annette Hanshaw's songs whose copyrights were still valid. However, Director Nina Paley took a bold, revolutionary step and giving all rights of the film to the public, she released the film free on the internet. The method of release made it a symbol of 'copyleft', urging a reconsideration of copyright laws and sparking conversations about artistically curbing creativity.

In essence, Sita Sings the Blues signifies a harmonious interplay of cosmopolitan influences. It effectively amalgamates Indian mythic tradition, heavy and profound, with American pop culture, light and fun-filled, all dressed up in vividly colorful, visually distinct animation styles. It offers an overall cinematic experience that is equally enjoyable for its complex narrative content as it is for its spectacle.

Sita Sings the Blues is not just an animated film, but an inventive, adventurous, and ambitious work of art that harmonizes different styles, themes, and periods. It gives us a spirited female protagonist whose mythical journey resonates with the everyday narrative of modern women, making it far more than a visual and musical feast. It is a culturally diverse, universally appealing story of love, loss, and resilience, making it a unique masterpiece that simply must not be missed.