MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company in India has launched its first locally developed studio project aimed specifically at Southern audiences. The yet untitled epic fantasy adventure, which be made in Telugu and is scheduled to release in January, 2011.
The film, which commenced production in November 2009, stars Siddharth, Shruti Haasan, Lakshmi Manchu and Harshitha.
The Telugu movie will also be dubbed in Tamil. The movie will be produced by K. Raghavendra Rao and directed by Prakash Rao Kovelamudi.
"We are thrilled to be working with such a high caliber cast and a team of talented filmmakers on this exciting film, which will appeal to Indian moviegoers of all ages," said The Walt Disney Company India managing director Mahesh Samat.
Outside of the US, India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. "As we work to build a family entertainment brand in India, we plan to provide Indian audiences with an unparalleled roster of locally relevant stories and engaging characters and will continue to tap into the local creative ecosystem to develop content which resonates with Indian kids and families," added Samat.
The fantasy adventure film is set in the fictitious teardrop shaped land of Sangarashtra and explores the bond between man and the myths that remain relevant even today. The story focuses on the journey of a nine year old girl with special healing powers and her quest to save Sangarashtra from the tyranny of an evil Queen. The girl portrayed by Hrishitha is protected by a blind swordsman played by Siddharth who faces great adversity and helps the girl on her epic journey. Shruti Haasan plays a gypsy woman whose destiny is tied into that of the swordsman and plays his love interest.
"The story is an epic tale of adventure and fantasy and it was a great challenge bring these amazing worlds and characters to life. We are immensely proud to work with Disney on this project. With its legacy of incredible storytelling and creating enduring characters they are the perfect partners for this film," said Kovelamudi.
