Headquartered in Singapore and having its offshore development facility in Mohali (Chandigarh), Vismaad Mediatech Pvt. Ltd. is gearing up for the Indian home video release of Sahibzadey, its 2D animated film (50 mins) based on Sikh History. The movie is in Punjabi language with English subtitles.
The movie which cost Vismaad Rs 35 lakhs took around 14 months in the making from concept to completion with 22 artists involved.
Given the substantial Sikh population abroad, the DVD was initially released overseas (April 05) across all the Sikh strongholds including UK, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, US & Europe.
6 months post its initial release overseas, the makers are now gearing up for the India launch.
Why the delay in India?
“In India the traditional distributors/ producers of Sikh related multimedia and music have never ventured into content costing more than Rs Three Lakhs and are skeptical towards our movie due to its high costs” Vismaad Mediatech promoter Bakhtawar Singh told Animation ‘xpress.
“We are talking to some reputed publishers but if it doesn’t work we are prepared to distribute under our own banner. We can’t keep delaying the India release just for that reason” he added.
“If we distribute it ourselves, then we plan to market the movie directly to retailers across India. And soon we shall be airing our teaser advertisements on all Punjabi channels. We have not approached the channels for broadcast, as local content doesn’t command good pricing in India” he further added.
Sahibzadey is the story of Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who were bricked alive when just (9yrs & 7 yrs) by Mughal Governor of Sirhind on 26-Dec-1704.
The art work was spearheaded by Amarjit Virdi, Art Director with help of a team of artists all BFA graduates.
“We have tired to project Punjab as it might have looked 300 years is ago. This required hand painted backgrounds. Even few 3-D sets that we used in the movie are reminiscent of Punjab 300 years ago, this includes the Anandpur Sahib Fort, Cold Tower, the Nawab of Sirhind’s court, etc” said Virdi.
The 2D animated movie features 6 songs and 2 religious hymns sung by professional artists and Raagi Jatha of Sri Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) All the Dubbing and Music recording was done in Cheema Studios Chandigarh.
Besides the DVD release the film has also been nominated in 2 Spinning Wheel film festivals (New York -Sep 23 to 24 & Toronto Oct14 to 16) and was also showcased at Punjabi American Culture Mela in Yuba City, California.
“The movie is a maiden attempt to project Sikh History through a contemporary medium and aims at filling the void to bring Sikh history to the Gen-X, which due to lack of knowledge was going adrift and a compromising attitude on Sikh values and ethos was becoming prevalent all across, which has been a matter of concern for all Sikhs” remarked Navnit.
“Our plan is to create at least 2 animated movies based on Sikh history every year and we shall develop our animation skills to match with the best in the industry” he concluded.
Sahibzadey has been directed by Sukhwinder Singh and the animation has been directed by Amarjit Virdi. Vismaad Mediatech Pvt. Ltd. is promoted by three IT Professionals Bakhtawar Singh, Navnit Singh & Sukhwinder Singh.