1. What’s the synopsis of the upcoming Chhota Bheem and the curse of Damyaan? Whats the duration, medium and some of the credits?
Synopsis:Centuries ago, Damyaan, a Sorcerer was granted a wish to be immortal by the “Book of Magi” with a rider/curse that he would be confined to the City of Sonapur.To escape from this confinement and to unleash his dark arts over the world, Damyaan lures Raja Indravarma with a map with the directions to the City of Gold. Despite warning from gypsies, the Raja sets out to seek the treasures along with Chhota Bheem and his friends. Once he gets there, he unknowingly sets Damyaan free who captures Chhota Bheem and his friends and imprisons them. In the prison, Bheem meets Santrik who tells him that the only way Damyaan can be defeated is to destroy him with the “Book of Magi”.
The duration of the movie is approximately 88 minutes.
Credits for the movie: Director & Producer: Rajiv Chilaka, Associate Producer: Samir Jain, Animation Director: Owell Mina, Singer: Shaan, Lyrics: Sajan Agarwal Music Director: Sunil Kaushik, Story & Screenplay- Richa Deo & Seeta
2. When did you start work on the feature?
The pre-production for the movie started on 1st dec 2011, and the production for the same started on 1st February 2012. We finished the production of the movie in 3 months.
3. And how does one make a feature in 3 months and release it theatrically on the 4th month!!!!
We had over 200 people completely focused on this project. Although the production was completed in 3 months, we spent around 2 months on the pre-production process. Yes this is a crazy schedule, but in order to keep the costs under control and get the timing right, we had to do this in record time.
4. You mentioned about a certain number of people that watch a Chhota Bheem movie on TV and your wanting to have similar numbers at the box office..Please elaborate
Usually the premiere of any new TV movie of Chhota Bheem on Pogo attracts about 0.8 to 1.2 million viewers. We are hoping that even if that many people come to the theaters, and watch it over a period of 2-3 weeks, then it would give us immense satisfaction.
5. As is well known, releasing an animated feature on the big screen in India at least in the current scenario is a very tough ordeal…share with us about it?
Yes its common knowledge that its hard to get Indian Animation movies released in India. We are very very fortunate that we have a character like Chhota Bheem with us. With POGO also backing us up, as TV partner, we knew that we can crack the theatrical model. The team at Pogo helped us reach the right people at PVR.
6. What are the marketing tie-ups and brand associations have you done for the film?
We have tie-ups and brand associations for Chhota Bheem. All of them are listed below
Television PArtner – POGO
Resort & Theme park Partner – Haailand
Apparel PArtner- Reliance Trends
Hindi Comics PArtner – Gruhalaxmi (Diamond Group)
Online Retail Partner- hoopos.com
Brand Partner – Libra Mattress
Education Partner – Green Gold Academy of Animation
Exclusive Retail Partner-Green Gold Store
Mobile Platform Partner- Microsoft Windows Phone
Online Ticketing PArtner- Book My Show
Printing Partner – Kalajyoti
Digital Partner – Hungama.com and Bollywood Hungama
Merchandise Partner – Notty, GRV Creations, HM International, Mrs. Bectors, USHA Fans, John’s Umbrellas
Brand Partners- Bril & Mycity4kids.com
Online Media PArtners – Animation Xpress & Indiantelevision.com
Mascot Partner – Inflatable Ideas
Audio/Video Partner – SP soft
7. Who is distributing the film?
PVR Pictures is distributing the film in India and iDreams in USA.
8. Is it a co-production with Pogo or is this a GreenGold Pictures property?
The Movie is entirely produced by Green Gold Pictures. Pogo is our television partner.
9. How many screens and prints are you releasing with?
Its an all digital release. So far we have 253 Screens, 474 Shows confirmed
10. You also have worked on a lot of corporate bookings…must be a lot of hard work…
Yes, we are trying to rope in corporates, and so far we have around 5000+ bookings through them. With Bheem on our team, I would say the selling was pretty easy so far.
11. Do you see the movie increasing the Chhota Bheem fanbase or is this appeasing the fanbase by giving them an opportunity to go see Bheem on the big screen?
As children would be pulling their parents to the theaters as well, definitely the fan base would expand. We designed the movie in such a way that even the parents would enjoy it completely.
12. What kind of budgets has the movie been made in? Has it all been done inhouse at greengold?
Everything has been produced inhouse by Green Gold.
13. GreenGold Stores are now the talk of the animation Industry, tell us some interesting stastics about the stores, what kind of trends and consumer behavior are you observing at the retail end/…?
We are happy to hear that Green Gold Stores have been the talk of the Animation Industry.
The stores have taken us a lot closer to our audience and we have received very encouraging feedback about our products. Today we have over 15 stores across India and all of them are profit making. Any product with Bheem on it, sells like hot cakes.
14. Additional Comments
The Indian Animation Industry desperately needs a hit theatrical movie and we are hoping that Chhota Bheem would succeed. We request our friends in the industry to promote this movie and Indian Animation Industry by going to theaters.
I would like to thank entire team at Green Gold, for meeting this impossible deadline & working with un-believable enthusiasm, POGO for all their support & encouragement, PVR Pictures for their faith in Chhota Bheem, Our Sponsors for their kind gestures, and Chhota Bheem Fans for their love and affection.