While the prospects of Kannada's first animation film Idu Bombeyaatavayya remain bleak, other filmmakers have taken a cue and are working on their own animation projects.

Idu Bombeyaatavayya was supposed to be director Guruprasad's tribute to Kannada film industry on its 25th anniversary. It is yet to see the light of the day.

2D animated film Chintu School stresses on right to education, and is already doing the film festival round. Khaaravela is ready to give some competition to it.

The story has been conceptualiased along with Purandar and Shri Hari.

'We have been working on this film for four-five years now and it is being produced by Anaji Nagaraj and myself.' says Purandar, the director.

With an attempt to pull in larger audience, the team has chosen none other than 'Auto Raja' Shankar Nag as the protagonist. The late actor will be shown from start to finish through graphics.

While Shankar Nag's character is animated, the rest of the cast will be shown in normal format. "Initially we planned to animate all the characters, but later decided to blend formats as it would be a greater challenge. However we are yet to finalise the rest of the cast," says Karim.

Speaking on why they chose Shankar Nag, Karim says that the actor was innovative and they couldn't think of a better person to animate given that his team was also trying to do something different in Kannada cinema. "Also we are all theatre persons and Shankar Nag was an inspiration to us as a theatre artiste as well," he adds.

And will Shankar's brother and actor Ananth Nag be roped in? "If we have a character that suits him and if he agrees why not?" he says.

The budget of Khaaravela is estimated at Rs 4-5 crores as of now. Right now the remaining cast and dubbing artistes are being finalised.

Before he signs off, ask Karim if he is skeptical about the release for the film, given that it was his company that made Idu Bombeyaatavayya as well and he says, 'It would have boosted our confidence much more if the film had released, but I have complete faith in Guruprasad and I'm sure the film will release soon.'

The film is expected to release in October.