Cartoon Network co-produces mytho film with Amar Chitra Katha Media

MUMBAI: Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) Media, co-owned by Future Ventures and Elephant Capital, has entered into a co-production agreement with leading kids network Cartoon Network to produce its first feature film titled ?Sons of Ram ? Heroes will Rise?.

The mytho animated film, which has been written and directed by Kushal Ruia, is slated to hit theatres on 2 November during Diwali. Ruia comes from the award winning team at ACK Animation Studios.

?Sons of Ram ? Heroes will Rise? will release in Hindi and English in over 400 screens pan-India on the first day of the Diwali holidays. Select theatres will screen the film in stereoscopic 3D. The film will also be released in Tamil and Telugu language.

Based on ACK?s bestselling comic book, Sons of Ram tells, Luv and Kush?s journey through enchanted forests into the revered land of Ayodhya, the home of their fabled heroes. Complete with a new gang of loveable characters, this feature is an epic coming-of-age adventure.

The film?s world-class animation was completed in partnership with Malaysia-based Inspidea Studios. Maya Digital Studios is converting the film into stereoscopic 3D and will distribute it, in theatres both in India and abroad.

Turner International India General Manager, Entertainment Networks, South Asia Monica Tata said, ?The ?Desi Toons? strategy is an integral part of Cartoon Network?s goal to boost the Indian animation industry. We have had a very successful relationship with ACK to date and are thrilled to expand our strategy and association with them into theatres. This Diwali, kids are in for a visual treat with this new movie.?

Commenting on the film, ACK Media CEO Vijay Sampath said, ?Sons of Ram carries forward the great storytelling tradition of Amar Chitra Katha and promises to grip its audiences in a tale of brotherhood, adventure and fun. With a November release, we look forward to entertaining millions of children and their families during the Diwali school holidays.?

Backed by the legendary Amar Chitra Katha name, the film will be widely marketed across television, outdoor, print, and school contact programs. A special 3D teaser will hit theatres this month with the release of ?Ice Age: Continental Drift.?

ACK Media has teamed up with its parent company Future Group to release a full assortment of merchandise from toys, stationary, apparel, and home products for the film to be sold in the Group?s flagship chain Big Bazaar.

The deal includes prime promotional support during the busy festive shopping season and special offers for consumers to receive discounted tickets on the film.

ACK Media is majority owned by Future Group and the balance is with Elephant Capital, a private equity firm owned by Gaurav Dabur, a member of the family that owns consumer goods maker Dabur India.