Springboard Films to release animated feature Ashoka – The Hero

Its animated festival season! As we all set to get started with a brimming list of Bollywood movies in the year 2011, here is one thing which will give some bliss to the Indian animation lovers. Mumbai based animation house Illusion Interactive is all set to release its first animated feature Ashoka – The Hero on 7th of January 2011. To be distributed theatrically by PVR Pictures’ Springboard Films, the film is made in 2D with few portions in CG. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Gaurav Jain, CEO of Illusion Interactive, shared, "Kids in India are exposed to a great deal of western animation. Ashoka – The Hero is our attempt to give them an indigenous superhero that is as action oriented and interesting as any of their western counterparts. Our intention is to give the audience a film that will not only keep them entertained but also give them a positive message" The film is made at a budget of Rs. 2.5 Cr and is being released with 50 prints. Talking about the merchandising and licensing plans, Gaurav shared, "We have created a line of merchandise which include mugs, small cricket bats, bags which are being distributed at our promotional events being held in metropolitans" The film is the story of a young boy Ashoka who wants to grow up and help others. His inspiration is his father, a policeman who died in the line of duty. Ashoka finds a powerful medallion created by the Emperor Asoka after the war of Kalinga to protect mankind from self destruction and evil. On obtaining these powers he becomes a super hero and must learn to use his powers and help others. How he fights off the corruption of power and saves the city from destruction is what the rest of the film is all about. Illusion Interactive is an independent animation studio based out of Mumbai with core strengths in concept development and production. Over the years, the studio has worked on numerous shorts, created episodic content for others as well as worked with international advertising agencies and internet portals.

Ashoka – The Hero is the first feature to come out from the studio’s kitty.