Finally, an animation film in Kannada

Animation for social transformation sums up the Kannada animation film, Chintu Skool that is still under production. The 2D film is the brain child of Sheshagiri Yelameli.

After having worked in the television industry, Sheshagiri has now entered films with this animation.

Chintu Skool sets out to give a message that knowledge is power, and it is something that increases when shared.

The film tells the story of a school boy, who goes on to educate his underprivileged and illiterate friends. And as the film is laced with fantasy, it promises to entertain.

"Mythology has for long been the staple for Indian animation films," Sheshagiri says. "I thought this subject would come as a good break. Also, an animation was long overdue in Kannada."

The film is 90 minutes long and will later on be dubbed into other South Indian languages.

There are four songs in the film. In one of them, the main characters are shown travelling across all the continents. The world's popular monuments, rivers and mountains have been covered. V Manohar is the music director. Songs have been sung by child artistes Anirudha and Nisha. M N Vyasa Rao and J M Prahalad have written the lyrics.

"We want to show the film to children in rural areas as well and since we feel North Karnataka is neglected, we plan to publicise the film by having a video launch of the music there," says Sheshagiri.

The music launch will happen in the first week of January near Dharwad. Similar releases are planned across six other regions in the state.

Actors Ramesh Arvind and Chidanad of Papa Pandu fame have lent their voices for the project.

Speaking about his experience Chidanand says, "Dubbing for ourselves is easier as we would have experienced the emotions while acting. But in an animation film, we need to picturise the character and its emotions ourselves and give the voice. Chintu Skool was a very enriching experience."

The film, which is due for an April release, is a product of Shree Mahalakshmi Combines and Kolors 'n' motion studios. Around 30 people are working on the film.

Malgudi Days will be Shesahgiri's next animation project. "We have acquired the rights of both Malgudi Days and Tiger for Malgudi. From Malgudi Days, the 'Swami and Friends' chapter will be made into a film, the rest will be shown across 52 episodes." The team also believes that there could not have been a better time to animate Tiger for Malgudi as much is being spoken about the urgent need for tiger conservation these days.

Ajji Kathegalu, a collection of mythological, historical and folk stories and Gandhi Park (Baapu), that looks at changing the way today's youth view Gandhi, are the other projects in the pipeline.

"Animation films need to be encouraged. Karnataka government considers the animation industry on par with that of IT and the Film Chamber has also been approached for more support. We hope to popularise this genre soon," says Sheshagiri.

Prior to Chintu Skool, director Guruprasad's animation film Idu Bombeyaatavayya had made news. The film is said to prescribe a few success formulae. The film is ready but is yet to hit the market.