Animation films to become big in India

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Yashraj Films, one of the biggest banners in bollywood has now joined hands with one of the biggest animation banner Walt Disney Studios to produce full length animation films.Yashraj has been planning to enter the animation film market for quite some time and they tested the ground by producing some animation work in films like 'Hum Tum' and more recently 'Tara Rum Pum'. With this deal, Walt Disney plans to tap the Indian market which is now generating good revenue even for Hollywood releases.

Chairman, Walt Disney Studios, Richard Cook told CNBC-TV18, "Animation is not a big genre here in India. But there is no reason that it could not be. With the combination of these two companies coming into animation, I think, one and one only makes five. Hopefully, it will be something that will go on for years to come and for genrations to see."

The first film from this co-production will be 'Roadside Romeo', a story of a rich dog who faces problems when he's left homeless. With voices of Saif Ali and Kareena Kapoor, this animation flick will be directed by Jugal Hansraj. But going by the Yashraj tradition, even the doggy will have a romantic life. Chairman, Yashraj Films, Yash Chopra says, "This is a very romantic story. There is action, romance, song and dance." All the typical ingredients of a typical Hindi film.

'Roadside Romeo' will release in the summer of 2008. With this deal, the company plans to produce atleast one full length animation film every year. You've already heard Shahrukh Khan lending his voice in 'The Incredibles'. Now get set to hear your favourite bollywood stars at their animated best.

Somen Mishra