Disney and Yash Raj Films to make Indian-language animation

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Disney and Yash Raj Films to make Indian-language animation
June 12, 2007: 02:05 AM EST

LOS ANGELES, Jun. 12, 2007 (AFX International Focus) -- US entertainment giant Walt Disney Co is teaming up with Yash Raj Films in India to make animated movies using the voices of Bollywood stars, the companies said yesterday.

The tie-up 'marks the first time for both companies to enter in a co-production to produce films in India,' a statement issued by Disney said.

Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook said the partnership would 'create exceptional animated films in the Indian language that are culturally relevant for the avid movie-going audiences in India and around the world.'
'Animation is a new and rapidly expanding area in India, and the collaboration between Disney and YRF Studios will bring the very best in story-telling and cutting edge technology together,' he added.

Each film in the alliance would be overseen by Yash Raj's Aditya Chopra, who will work with an 'array of leading local talent,' according to Disney.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Disney has struggled to make money in India, which has a vast domestic film market, but believes an animated story featuring well-known Indian stars could be a commercial hit.

The new venture's first project will be an animated tale featuring the voices of Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, tentatively titled 'Roadside Romeo' and due for release next year.

Yash Raj is one of Bollywood's most established studios and the partnership is likely to produce 'at least one animation film per year,' Yash Raj's chief executive Sanjeev Kohli was quoted by the Journal as saying.

The report also cited Disney executive Shyam P.S. as saying that Disney will start with simple stories mixing singing, dancing, humor and the 'in your face' emotion typical of Bollywood-style productions.

In another move, Disney is taking US franchises and making Indian versions of them, such as 'High School Musical,' whose Indian cast members are likely to be chosen in an 'American Idol'-style competition, according to the report.

Disney's overall Indian film production could be ramped up to around eight movies a year if the push is successful, executives said.

Production costs are usually cheaper in India than in the United States, the Journal pointed out.