The makers of Delhi Safari, the first India-made stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) animation film, are banking on the foreign markets, especially the US, for its commercial success.
The market for animation films in India is still at a nascent stage, and box office response of the earlier animation films is “not encouraging”, said Nishith Takia, co-founder and director, Krayon Pictures. Delhi Safari has been produced by Pune-based Krayon Pictures.
Delhi Safari becomes the first film that would only be released in 3D version unlike other animation films in India those were released in other formats also.
Nikhil Advani directed bi-lingual Delhi Safari, which would be released at about 300 theatres, mainly multiplexes, in India on October 19, would be shown across 120 theatres in the US. “We are planning to release the film in the US market within a month,” said Nishith Takia, co-founder and director, Krayon Pictures. Delhi Safari has been produced by Pune-based Krayon Pictures.
Lower cost of production is another advantage that would ensure producers the commercial success for Delhi Safari. “Delhi safari was produced at an investment of about USD 7 million, said Takia. Production cost of a similar 3D film would be more than USD 100 million if produced in the US.
Use of Autodesk’s Maya was certainly helpful in speedy post production within six months, said Takia.
“We have seen success of Holiwood animations even in Indian market. So, there is a market for good animation films. We believe that Delhi safari would match that,” said Takia. However, animation is still considered just an entertainment medium in India, he added.
“We are spending almost the same amount in promotions like any other normal Hindi films do for the US market,” he said. US-based Fantastic Films International will market Delhi Safari in the US market. The film will be released in 18 countries and would be dubbed in local languages.
The story is based on deforestation using Indian mythological characters. “We have taken a global issue, but presented it in an Indianised way. This ensures audience from all aspects of life from all age group,” he added.
Krayon is also in talks with media companies to bring DVDs of Delhi safari. “We would bring the DVD version in 2-3 months,” he said.
Delhi Safari was made keeping in mind the children with an intention to educate them about the plight of animals because of humans. “But, the film will keep the grown-ups hooked on to the screens,” believes Takia. Krayon has already reached out to more than 3,500 schools through Arena Multimedia.
The anticipated commercial success of Delhi Safari would encourage Indian producers to park in their funds to make more such India-made animations, he opines.
