The Burning of Lanka
Lanka Dahan (Lanka Aflame) is a 1917 Indian silent film directed by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Dadasaheb Phalke). Phalke also wrote the film based on an episode of the Hindu epic Ramayana, credited to Valmiki. A retelling of the familiar 'Ramayana' story of Rama's wife Sita being abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and Rama's triumph with the aid of men, monkeys and bears. From the trees Hanuman the brave monkey observes Sita held captive in the tulasi garden where Ravana comes to intimidate her. The main part of the film covers Hanuman's rage while in Lanka when he set the whole island afire with his burning tail.
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📋 Film Details
| Original Title | लङ्का दहन |
| Year | 1917 |
| Country | India |
| Genre | Drama, Fantasy |
| Director | Dhundiraj Govind Phalke |
| Runtime | 6 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.8/10 (2 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
Dadasaheb Phalke constructs this mythological drama by relying on the visual language of silent cinema and deeply resonant cultural archetypes. He explores dharma and retribution through the stark contrast between Sita's sorrowful stillness and Hanuman's dynamic, fiery rage that consumes the frame.
What lingers after viewing is a sense of witnessing the birth of a cinematic tradition, where epic storytelling is conveyed through expressive gesture and symbolic set pieces. It’s a foundational piece of film history. — MovieFinder Editorial
Director: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
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Watch as a silent ritual, allowing the images and accompanying music to guide you.
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