Animation filmmakers find TV lucrative than theatre

Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) Animation film producers are finding television as a more lucrative option to reach a wider audience than theatres.

Shethia Audio Video, producers of ''Krishna- Aayo Natkhat Nandalal'', have decided to release their next projects -- ''Ghatotkacha'' and ''Prahlad'' -- on Star Gold on March 23.

This is the first time ever that any animation film is being premiered on a satellite channel, even before its release in theatre. Speaking about this, Shethia Audio Video Managing Director Amit Chedda said, ''Satellite channels have wider reach to their audiences, children, and now a days watching movies in a theatre with the entire family has become a costly affair.'' When asked why he chooses mythological characters for making movies, Mr Chedda said, ''Indian mythology is full of super heroes. We have been brought up hearing stories of great heroes like Rama, Hanuman, Krishna, Pandavas and Bhakta Pralhad. There are so many heroes in our great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The new generation is not aware of our super heroes.'' ''Like other parts of the world, we don't need to create super heroes like Superman or Batman. Its not just mythology, but we have some more projects ready on great historical characters too. We believe in providing education with entertainment,'' he said.

''Ghatotkacha'' is based on the childhood antics of Ghatotkach, son of mighty Bhim and his demon wife, Hidimba, while ''Pralhad'' is the story of the young son of the demon king Hiranyakashyap.

Pralhad is a great devotee of lord Vishnu. He goes against the wish of his father of not worshiping Vishnu, his sworn enemy.

The duration of both the films is 80 minutes each, Mr Chedda said.

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