Newly restored and re-discovered for its 30th Anniversary, this legendary Japanese-Indian animated adaptation of the religious epic RAMAYANA: THE LEGEND OF PRINCE RAMA is currently making the rounds at theatres and festivals (including this year’s Fantasia Film Festival!), and is headed to the Rio Theatre for screenings on Saturday, August 12 and Monday, August 21.

RAMAYANA tells the epic tale of the Hindu god Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The film follows the journey of Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and the monkey warrior Hanuman as they battle powerful demons and face difficult challenges in order to save Sita and restore peace to the world. With stunning visuals and a captivating story that has been cherished for generations, “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” brings this timeless tale to life in a way that will enchant audiences of all ages.

“Written centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ, the venerable Ramayana is, alongside the Mahabharata, one of the two foundational texts of Hinduism. It is also one of human civilization’s most expansive mythological epics and, arrow for arrow, sword-stroke for sword-stroke, arguably the most wild, thrilling, and amazing of all the world’s ancient tales of wonder — LORD OF THE RINGS is a casual travelogue by comparison. The Ramayana chronicles the adventures of the noble prince Rama of the city Ayodhya in the kingdom of Kosala, the palace intrigue that leads to his banishment to the wilds, his great journeys with his precious wife Sita and her kidnapping by the demon king Ravana, and Rama’s glorious battles against his foe, alongside the heroic Hanuman and his monkey army.

Thirty years ago, after almost a decade of dedicated work by top talents from both India and Japan, an anime adaptation of the revered text was unveiled. With scriptwriting, art direction, and of course songs and music crafted by notable luminaries in India, and the technical execution of the top-notch animation by Japanese artisans drawn from Hayao Miyazaki’s own pool of professionals, RAMAYANA – THE LEGEND OF PRINCE RAMA proved to be a cross-cultural collaboration par excellence. Frustratingly, the film disappeared from international circulation following a few theatrical screenings, never seeing release on any home-viewing format, and for decades remained little more than a rumour whispered among dedicated anime fans. At last, this marvelous work has been lovingly restored and once again revealed to the world in all its splendour. An exciting, colourful cinematic sensation of myth, music, monsters and mighty heroes, millennia in the making!” (Fantasia Film Festival)

Official selection:
Sitges Film Festival 2022
Animation is Film 2022
Fantasia Film Festival 2023

Saturday, August 12
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm
Advance tickets HERE

Monday, August 21
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm
Advance tickets HERE

RAMAYANA: THE LEGEND OF PRINCE RAMA (Ram Mohan, Yugo Sako & Kouichi Sasaki, 1983 / 135 mins / PG / English dub) Young prince Rama is banished to the forest by his stepmother, under the protection of his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshman. When powerful demon king Ravan abducts Sita, Rama must control his sorrow and fight warrior demons to free his wife.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime.  Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)