Hanuman returns with more fun and action
K. JESHI
|
A feast for the entire family,“Hanuman Returns,’ the sequel is slated for release during Deepavali.
|
Hi kids, I’m back: Hanuman Returns.
He is powerful, mighty and supremely intelligent. And, he is all set to become the Indian super hero. The darling of Indian mythology who bowled you over with his baby pranks in the super hit animation film Hanuman will now emerge as a superman with‘Hanuman Returns.’
Produced by Percept Pictures Company Limited along with Toonz Animation, the 2D animated feature, ‘Hanuman Returns,’ is slated to hit the big screen this Deepavali. The animation production of the film is nearing completion at Toonz Animation India in Thiruvananthapuram.
“It is time we had our own super hero,” says Preet Bedi, Chief Executive Officer, Percept Pictures.
“For all of us, Hanuman is a remarkably special character and we have taken that into account. He will have an identity as a secular God, someone like superman, and he fights for the triumph of good over evil. We are not presenting him in a context based on any religion. Film director Anurag Kashyap has been roped in to pen the sequel. Bedi is tight-lipped about the storyline. All he promises is that it is attention-grabbing and that it is not entirely based on the Ramayana.
Dedicated teamwork
Pioneering effort: Preet Bedi, CEO, Percept Pictures Company.
“Though it’s a different story in a contemporary setting, we are not missing out on the qualities of Hanuman and the fun. For the rest, you will have to wait and watch,” he says.
“A team of 350 dedicated artists is working at the Toonz Studio. Hanuman has set a benchmark in animation, and the expectations are high for the sequel. The production values will be of very high quality,” assures P. Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Animation India.
Along with the latest in the animation software, the toon boom technology from Canada will be used in production. Some of the best talents have come together for the project. The team is a combination of layout artists, animators and digital artists. Twenty five 2D animators from the Philippines are also a part of the team, explains Jayakumar. Production work is expected to get over by mid-August and post-production will begin in Mumbai during September. ‘Hanuman’ was a spectacular affair with the right mix of fun, drama and action, and the makers of the sequel promise that ‘Hanuman Returns’ will be no different [in these aspects]. The movie will be made in five languages, two English versions (one each for Indian and International audiences), Tamil, Telugu and Bhojpuri, and will be released with 500 prints in India and abroad.
Innovative marketing and distribution have been planned. A 360-degree marketing plan is already in place. Merchandising will be done in a big way, involving toys, jewellery, stationery items, garments, posters and everything related to the movie. “We will also explore ‘Hanuman’ comics and gaming options on the internet and the mobile platform too,” says Bedi.
Website for easy access
The team at the Toonz Animation India, Thiruvanathapuram.
A microsite, www.hanumania.co.in, will be launched where visitors from India and abroad will have access to movie merchandise. “We are planning a physical dimension to it in locations such as multiplexes, through tie-ups with select partners. At the moment, it is confined to the metros, though we are looking at penetrating smaller markets too,” adds Bedi.
“The ultimate goal is to get the character of Hanuman an international identity, by the time the next instalments of the series hit the market in 2009 and 2012. This is just the beginning. We want Hanuman to be recognised globally. In the far-east, the monkey God is no stranger. And, in any case, mythology will only be a small part of our stories, which will be more contemporary,” he adds.
Jayakumar says the Indian animation industry is growing at 30 per cent CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) and there is going to be plenty of action.
Even in the saturated international market for animation films, they (be it ‘Shrek’ or ‘Finding Nemo’) are still considered less risky, because they cater to the entire family and not just to children. In India, Hanuman has set the trend with its success. Animation films are now gaining acceptance from family audiences here. And, once we deliver quality content with good production values, the Indian audience will start loving it, he says.
As Bedi sums up the trend, “We are so much into symbols and colours, and our tradition is rich and vibrant. We have a big appetite for animation, so there is a likelihood of higher acceptance for animation stories here. Everywhere, the market trend is fantastic. It is up to you to make the best use of it.”
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
