The International Women’s Day 2021, 8 March marks a significant landmark for the Indian animation industry as renowned actor, animator and filmmaker Gitanjali Rao’s Bombay Rose has been launched today on Netflix.
This 90-minute 2D animated feature marks yet another Original homegrown animated content’s foray on the global streaming platform after Mighty Little Bheem and Sanskrit animated film, Punyakoti.
Written, edited, designed and directed by Rao, the film had its world premiere at International Critics Week at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, and was also screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
Bombay Rose is a love story between Kamala, a flower seller, and Salim, two migrants in the City of Dreams, who fall in love and strive to be together at the backdrop of the bubbling, fast-paced metropolis, its people, politics, their dreams, disappointments and ‘struggle for existence’ in a place they call home.
Rao told Animation Xpress, “My stories have always been inspired by the people and scenarios around me. A certain group of people in Bombay have a completely different life away from all the glamour and I was curious to know more about their lives, love and even the films they watch. That’s what stemmed into Bombay Rose. I’m elated that it’s releasing on Netflix today, International Women’s Day.”
Commenting on the global premiere, Netflix Original Content director Aram Yacoubian shared with Animation Xpress, “I’m thrilled about the premiere of Bombay Rose on International Women’s Day. Rao is a singular talent and the inventive mind behind the stunning artistry of this wonderful film. I’m so proud to have acquired the animated film a little over a year ago following its premiere at the International Critics’ Week of the prestigious Venice Film festival. Rao is one of only two female directors across the 20+ animated films that have qualified for this year’s Academy Awards. I look forward to many more female voices in animation soon.”
Animation Xpress had the pleasure of having a wonderful conversation with Rao on the creative aspects of the film which will be out soon so stay tuned! And till that time, don’t miss out Bombay Rose streaming now on Netflix.
