Most well known for its flash animated TV series Thakurmar Jhuli which was a TRP topper on Zee Bangla, Kolkata based Dawsen Infotech has announced that it is working on a 2D animated theatrical feature based on Kalidasa’s classic ‘Shakuntala’.
Speaking exclusively to Animation Xpress.com, Dawsen CEO VC Bhalotia shared, “Till now most of the animation IP being developed in India is targeted at Kids only, but the story we are working on will appeal to all ages. Shakuntala is not a religious or mythological tale. It is a classic dance drama with a romantic charm to it. The story is famous all over India and we are very sure that the audiences will welcome it”
“We have been working on this since January and the script is ready. Pre production is underway and shall be complete by Deepavali. Production begins end of ’06 and we are looking to charm the big screen by early ’08” he added.
Shakuntala features 9 songs and will be initially released in Hindi and English. This will be followed by release in the various Indian regional languages. Rough recording for the voices has already begun in Kolkata.
“We are going to give this film a very stylistic treatment” said Bhalotia. “And we are sure this IP is going to cross over globally. We already have international partners who are working with us on this project and we have begun initiating talks with international distributors from Europe and North America” he added.
The prolific manner in which India’s animation players have been announcing features, 2008 / 09 will see more than 12 Indian animated features charming the screen. Heralding what could probably be the beginning of the Golden Age for Indian animation.