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Rajnikant in an animation film

February 16, 2007 15:22 IST

Rajnikant's fans have yet another reason to rejoice.

The superstar will do an animation film to be co-produced by Ocher studios, led by his wife Latha Rajnikant, with Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group's Adlabs. Word is that Rajni's youngest daughter Soundarya will direct the film.

"Over 50 percent of the Indian population is below the age of 20. Besides that, animation is a universal favourite for all audiences," says Pooja Shetty, director Adlabs Films Ltd. "There is a dearth of quality animation content originating from India and Adlabs is making a keen foray into the sector with this project."

Animation in Indian films was almost unheard of until two years ago, when Hanuman's

success made all the difference.

Earlier, Yash Raj films had successfully launched cartoon strips in Hum Tum, which became a hit. But they did not follow it up, though there are rumours of them doing an animation film, to be directed by Jugal Hansraj.

Adlabs has also tied up with kids' apparels Gini & Jony to produce an animated feature film, based on the characters of Gini and Jony.

"We are optimistic about the future of Indian Animation content and believe the characters of Gini and Jony are well established in the minds of Indian children," said Manmohan Shetty, chairman of Adlabs Films Ltd. He added, "We continue our focus on the Indian animation industry and will announce more projects."