Tinkle toon `Suppandi` to be released in 3D animated version

Mumbai: Fans of the popular Tinkle toon `Suppandi`, the lovable goof who gets into trouble all the time, have a reason to rejoice as they will soon be able to see their favourite character on the big screen.City-based ACK Media has announced its new venture to make the first stereoscopic 3D animated film based on the misadventures of Suppandi.

"The film will bring alive the misadventures of Suppandi. He has enthralled readers with his antics for the past 28 years and is one of the best-known home grown comic characters. The film will be launched in November 2010," ACK Media CEO, Samir Patil, said. "3D technology is the latest innovation that producers worldwide are banking on to increase ticket sales. Most Hollywood majors are releasing their films in 3D as well as the traditional format," Patil said on the sidelines of a media preview, organised to highlight how characters can come alive with the indigenously developed stereoscopic technology, here yesterday. According to Patil, the number of 3D theatres in the country is expected to exceed 100 (to coincide with the launch of the much anticipated James Cameron film Avataar). The new generation of 3D technology provides a completely immersing experience and when combined with VFX and animation it can bring stories and characters alive in ways that was not possible even a few years back, he said. ACK Media has developed the 3D technology with Fable Farms studio lead by animation and VFX veteran Biju D. The main breakthrough that the studio has been working on for more than a year is the economics of production, Patil claimed. The budget for a full 3D animated film with this technology can start at Rs 10 crore and increase depending on the complexity of situations and number of characters, Patil said. While story-telling will be the heart of any of our films our focus as a studio will be on 3D and VFX technology driven projects in both live-action and animated genres, he said. "We believe that this strategy is important to differentiate ourselves in a crowded marketplace of producers dominated by star-driven releases," Patil said. Given India`s prowess in technology and our ability to invest in it we believe that we can achieve breakthrough cost and quality. The technology you saw today is a proof that such game changing innovation is possible, he said. Bureau Report