Swami Vivekananda`s life in 3D animation

Kolkata: A 3D animation film depicting the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda will be released worldwide in 2013 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the social reformer and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission.

"For one who knows him, it is a treat to know some unknown facts and for them who are deprived of his knowledge, a story untold as great as his, will simply be of grave injustice to the world. The film might just revolutionise the society and if a speck of it happens, we will consider our aim is achieved," said Swami Sarvabhutananda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. The 90-minute film, to be made at a budget of Rs.7 crore, will be directed by Sukankan Roy of Aura Cinematics. Roy said animation has been chosen as the medium because of its visual superiority. "I can assure you that in the movie, the city would be seen stone by stone as it was 150 years ago. We have done a lot of research and are taking care of every detail possible. We are in talks with exhibitors and distributors and planning a worldwide release of the movie. DVDs and VCDs of the movie will also be launched," said Roy, after releasing a three-minute trailer. Sarvabhutananda said another feature film on the philosopher`s life along with a documentary would also be released. A committee for celebrating the occasion has been formed by including the likes of film director Gautam Ghosh. "It has been entrusted with making the documentary and the feature film. His teachings and philosophies would also be translated into several Indian and foreign languages on the occasion," he said. The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, which has been operating several charitable projects across the country including women and child development and rural health, said it was expecting financial help from the corporates for the animation film. "We have already spent around Rs.70 lakh on the project. We hope to get financial help from the corporates," said Sarvabhutananda. IANS