With the nationwide release of Chhota Bheem and The Throne of Bali, India’s animation superstar Chhota Bheem will be seen taking on real life stars from Bombay Talkies and Shootout At Wadala this Friday. To be released in three languages in over five hundred theatres, this will be one of the largest ever-theatrical releases of an Indian animation film. “With an existing viewership of 40 million children, Chhota Bheem’s initial draw would be comparable to the highest paid Bollywood stars. Moreover, children as an audience are more loyal. We are quite certain that Chhota Bheem and The Throne of Bali will emerge top release of the week and over time give one of the best box office returns,” says Samir Jain, co producer.
The film is being released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. AlluArvind’s Geetha Film Distributors and Yash Raj Films will respectively distribute the film in South and rest of India. This is the second Chhota Bheem film to be released. The previous film, Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan was released in May 2012 and drew a collection of Rs. 4.92 crores, which is the highest ever collection for an Indian animation film. “Being our first release, the film was exhibited as a morning show in most theatres. But this time round the distribution, marketing and promotions are on a scale comparable to any large commercial film release,” added Jain.
Meanwhile, creator of the iconic character and director of the film, Rajiv Chilaka commented, “I am confident the movie will be the first Indian animation blockbuster. This movie is based on the Bali islands and is an out-an-out adventure ride for kids with thrill, action, suspense and loads of fun. We did extensive research in Bali and ended up doing most recordings in Bali with its natural surroundings and have captured the sights and sounds. Shaan has sung the title song for the film. connect@animationxpress.com