The Walt Disney Company (India) announced its first locally developed South Indian film in partnership with Mr. K. Raghavendra Rao, a Legend of South Indian Cinema. This period fantasy film is directed by national award winning director Mr. Prakash Rao Kovelamudi under the banner of ‘A Bellyful of Dreams Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (Abode)’. The film, which commenced production in November 2009 and slated for release in January 2011, features a host of leading talent including Siddharth, Shruti Haasan, Lakshmi Manchu, and Harshitha.

Siddharth transforms his lover boy image into that of a warrior, where he paints a colorful canvas with his brilliant acting and swordsmanship. Making her debut in Telugu films with a charming performance is the beautiful and talented Shruti Haasan, daughter of the legendary Kamal Haasan. Having gained popularity as a TV show host, Lakshmi Manchu makes her film debut in a sensational role displaying histrionics that is reminiscent of her father - the legendary film personality Dr. Mohan Babu. And joining the extremely talented trio are Dr. Bramhanandam, Allari Ravi Babu, Ali and the child actor Harshitha.

Creating beautiful images in this period fantasy film, is the Cinematographer Mr. S. Sounder Rajan and the stunning fight choreography is being done by the Malaysia based Mr. William Ong. With the scale and the canvas of the film being unprecedented for Telugu Cinema, lavish yet artistic sets have been erected at Ramoji Film City and Bhimli (Vizag) by Mr. Bhupesh R. Bhupathi with the Concept Art by Mr. Rajiv Golay. This period fantasy film also boasts of exquisite costumes that bring the characters to life and are designed by Nikhaar Dhawan and Bhakthi Reddy. Holding the mantle as the Producer of the film is Mr. Prasad Devineni who is supported by the line producer, Mr. Chakravarthy Ramachandra. The film contains extensive amount of Computer Graphics and Character animation by Firefly Creative Studios that will be path breaking for Indian Cinema.

“We are thrilled to be working with such a high caliber cast and a team of talented filmmakers on this exciting film which will appeal to Indian moviegoers of all ages,” said Mr. Mahesh Samat, managing director, The Walt Disney Company India Pvt. ltd.

Outside of the US, India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. “As we work to build a family entertainment brand in India we plan to provide Indian audiences with an unparalleled roster of locally relevant stories and engaging characters and will continue to tap into the local creative ecosystem to develop content which resonates with Indian kids and families,” Mr. Samat added.

The fantasy adventure film is set in the fictitious teardrop shaped land of Angarajyam and explores the inseparable bond between man and the myths that remain relevant even today. The story focuses on the journey of a nine-year-old girl with special healing powers and her quest to save Angarajyam from the tyranny of an evil Queen, played by Lakshmi Manchu. The little girl portrayed by Harshitha is protected by a swordsman played by Siddharth who faces great adversity and helps the girl on her epic journey. Shruti Haasan plays an exotic role of a gypsy woman whose destiny is tied into that of the swordsman and plays his love interest.

Production and Technical values of the highest order - mesmerizing graphics - and extra ordinary performances by the cast - all come together in making this Walt Disney and a K. Raghavendra Rao presentation a landmark film.

“The story is an epic tale of adventure and it has been tremendously exciting to create this fantasy world and bring the characters to life,” said Mr. Prakash Rao Kovelamudi. “We are immensely proud to work with Disney on this project. With its legacy of incredible storytelling and creating enduring characters they are the perfect partners for this film”.

----------------------

About The Walt Disney Company:
Disney is a Dow 30 Company, had annual revenues of over US$36 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of US$70.60 billion as of April 15th, 2010. Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company has approximately 137,000 employees.

The Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited opened in July 2004 with its head office located in Mumbai. In less than five years, Disney has established a strong foothold in this diverse and highly dynamic market. Disney in India employs around 161 permanent staff, and anticipates accelerated growth across Media Networks, Interactive media group, Consumer Products, and Studio businesses. Outside of the U.S., India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. The Disney Television Network comprising Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV has consistently been one of the leading networks for kids in Cable & Satellite (C&S) programming. The network currently reaches over 71 million homes with Star Den as the exclusive distribution partner, offering a blend of quality entertainment and distinct original programming that kids love and families trust and enjoy. Through a block called Disney Jadoo on the terrestrial network Doordarshan, Disney Channel reaches over 145 million homes.

ABOUT THE FILM (TITLE TBC)
About the Cast & Crew

Siddharth: Siddharth is a multi-faceted personality with screen credits that include acting, writing, playback singing and music production. He was actively involved in theater in college and started his career as an associate to the noted director "Mani Ratnam". He debuted as an actor in 2003 in a Tamil film "Boys" and has 10 releases in 3 languages. Siddharth is a successful Star, down South with a filmography that balances creative excellence with box office success.

Shruti Haasan: Daughter of India's noted actors Kamal Hassan and Sarika, Shruthi is an accomplished singer and songwriter, who later branched out into modeling and acting. She has a degree from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. She has scored music for feature length films and is currently working on an independent music album.

Lakshmi Manchu: Lakshmi Manchu burst upon the world of stage at the age of 4, who later took a bachelor’s degree in Theater from Oklahoma City University. She has a production company with her father Dr. M Mohan Babu that has produced 48 feature films. Lakshmi also is popular with her own show called ‘Lakshmi Talk show’

Harshitha: Harshitha- another talented 9-year old kid in the south film circuit. She has 6 big films to her credit and still manages to be the class topper.

Producer: K. Raghavendra Rao: A Legend in Telugu cinema, K.Raghavendra Rao's illustrious career spans across 35 years in which he has directed over 105 films and produced over 25 films in various Indian languages. He has the unique distinction of having worked with 5 generations of stars in Telugu Cinema. He has to his credit 1 National Award, over 15 State awards, 2 Filmfare awards and a Filmfare Life Time Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian Cinema.

Writer / Director: Prakash Rao Kovelamudi: Prakash Kovelamudi is a 3rd generation filmmaker, hailing from one of the pioneering families of Telugu Cinema. An IT engineering graduate and a Theater Arts Student from Lee Strasberg, he has to his credit two films as an actor and one as a writer/director. His first film "A Bellyful of Dreams" as a writer/director was critically acclaimed and won two international awards and two National awards – best child artist and the best Telugu language film.