Toonz Animation India and Mumbai-based Animagic will co-produce an animation film titled ‘Swami Ayyappan.’

The film is slated to premiere on national channels and subsequently distributed as DVDs during the upcoming Sabarimala season.

RIGHT MIX

“The film has the right mix of fantasy, action, adventure, mythology and history and is sure to delight audience of all ages,” says Mr P. Jayakumar, chief executive officer, Toonz Animation.

More than being a film on a mythological superhero, it’s the message of tolerance and secularism that ‘Swami Ayyappan’ seeks to highlight, he added.

Directed by Mahesh Vettiyar and Chetan Sharma, the film follows the life of Manikandan, who is believed to have been born out of the union between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in his Mohini avatar.

The incarnation is said to have been ordained for the purpose of slaying the Mahishi demon who had taken a vow to avenge the death of her brother, the asura king Mahishasura, by destroying all three worlds.

The larger purpose of the incarnation was to banish evil from this world and establish good.

Mr Chetan Sharma, chief executive officer, Animagic, said he was pleased to participate in this project with Toonz.

Ayyappa is revered by millions and is a great role model for young children for the traits of kindness, compassion and humility despite being omnipotent.

“We hope this film will become the definitive retelling of the story of Ayyappan for the small screen,” Mr Sharma added.

Toonz Animation, based in Technopark here, had earlier come out with films on tales of Hanuman and Siva.

Animagic is the creator of the award winning TV feature, ‘Tripura.’

> vinson.kurian@thehindu.co.in

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