“Animation is a huge mode of entertainment across the world, though its presence was not felt in India till recently,” says Soundarya, whose Ochre Studios will co-produce Sultan with Adlabs Films. “I thought animating my father would be a great visual treat for the audience. And it will be even better if he is shown 20 years younger.”
According to Nasscom figures, the Indian animation industry, currently pegged at US $550 million, is expected to grow by 30 per cent annually and touch US $1.3 billion by 2010.

Bollywood, with its glamour and star cast, has joined in the movement. Roadside Romeo will have voice-overs by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Aishwarya Rai might lend her voice in Percept Picture Company’s The Prince of Love, to be made by Kamlesh Pandey. Nikhil Advani’s Orion Pictures too is coming up with Ab Dilli Door Nahi that promises a big star cast.
Soundarya’s Sultan flaunts a huge budget of Rs 40 crore (US $10-12 million) and Toonpur is pegged at the same amount too. In early 2000, Hanuman was made on a mere Rs 6 to Rs 7 crore.

“Today, we have the technology and skilled professionals to compete with world-class animation films,” says Devgan. Toonpur, directed by Kireet Khurana, will have a combination of animated and live characters and tell the story of a superstar who accidentally becomes a real-life hero. “The script is terrific and has all the elements of commercial success. Its budget is justified and its recovery should not be an issue,” Devgan reasons. “Not just children, adults too are our target audience,” says the film’s producer, Kumar Mangat.

... contd.