Ramayana and other tales, with live score by Hari Sivanesan

See a series of classic Indian silent films based on legendary tales, paired with original live music score by Hari Sivanesan.

Hari Sivanesan and the South Asian Music Ensemble present four Kathas with an immersive contemporary and classical Indian score. This rare screening includes films directed by India’s most prolific directors of the silent cinema era – Baburao Painter and Dadasaheb Phalke. These films are partially ‘lost’ films, as only parts of them remain. This screening features the remaining film that has been carefully restored and digitised by the National Film Archive of India.

Pack a picnic and pull up a deck chair – and join us in celebrating the magic of the early days of Indian cinema, the stories from our grandmothers, on the Big Screen.

Presented by Fed Square, in partnership with Insite Arts.

Film program

Shree Krishna Janma (1918), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
This film narrates the miraculous birth and early life of Krishna, destined to overthrow the tyrant King Kansa.

Raja Harishchandra (1913), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
Raja Harishchandra tells the story of King Harishchandra, who when faced with a series of trials that strip him of his kingdom, family, and comfort, Harishchandra refuses to compromise on his principles, even at great personal cost.

Lanka Dahan (1918), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
Lanka Dahan is a pivotal episode from the Ramayana, focusing on Hanuman’s journey to Lanka to locate Sita, held captive by the demon king Ravana.

Sati Savitri (1927), directed by Baburao Painter
Based on the story from the Mahabharata, Sati Savitri recounts the tale of Savitri, a devoted wife determined to defy fate to save her husband, Satyavan, from death. Through her dedication and unwavering faith, Savitri confronts Yama, the god of death, and cleverly negotiates for Satyavan’s life.

Bhakta Prahlad (1926) by Dadasaaheb Phalke
Drawn from the Vishnu Purana, this legend tells of Prahlad (Gangaram), the son of the demon tyrant Hiranyakshapu (Bachu). Prahlad disobeys his father by worshipping the latter’s hated enemy, Vishnu (Datar). He undergoes tortures, including being burnt in oil, trampled beneath an elephant and poisoning, until, finally, Vishnu appears from a pillar in his Narasimha guise to overwhelm the demon.

About Hari Sivanesan

Internationally acclaimed composer, veena virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, and curator Hari Sivanesan belongs to a diverse new generation of Indian classical-contemporary artists. UK-born, Hari’s unique style is the experimental answer to his Sri Lankan-Tamil Heritage and training in South Indian and Western classical music. Hari’s global career began at 13, when he was chosen by sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar to play on his Chants of India record, produced by the late George Harrison.

Hari has toured extensively across the UK, US, and Europe and pioneered partnerships with BBC Radio, TV and Proms, WOMAD UK, Royal Opera House, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Multicultural Arts Victoria and Bunjil Place. He brings together a stack of exciting South Asian talents create the unique soundscape for films Sati Savitri, Raja Harishcandra, Shree Krishna Janma and Lanka Dahan.

Credits

Hari Sivanesan – Composer/Musical Director, Veena & Vocals
Pirashanna Thevarajah – Multi Instruments
Ravi Madhawan – Multi Instruments
Subramanya Shastri – Bansari (flute)
Chris Lewis – Percussion & Drums
Salmon Raphael – Keys
Krithi Hirithotlukere Ramaswamy – Vocals

Check out the full program of free live music, outdoor cinema and community events on as part of Open Air in the Square.