Student-Driven Animation Project: "Ravana – The Lost Battle with Shri Ram"

India's Reliance Animation Academy and Tenali Rama Animation have announced the production of "Ravana – The Lost Battle with Shri Ram," a pioneering student-led theatrical feature film. This project, rooted in the "Srimad Valmiki Ramayana," aims to reinterpret the character of Ravana, traditionally viewed as a villain, by presenting a more nuanced perspective. The film is set to utilize a hybrid AI and 3D animation pipeline, with students from Reliance Animation Academy actively participating in its creation under the mentorship of industry professionals.

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The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in film production. Tejonidhi Vidyasagar Bhandare, CEO of Reliance Animation, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it offers students an opportunity to engage in real-world projects rather than solely relying on classroom assignments. The Film and Television Institute of India will provide academic and creative mentorship through an intensive workshop lasting five to seven days.

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"Ravana – The Lost Battle with Shri Ram" is targeting a diverse audience across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the global Indian diaspora. The film is slated for a theatrical release in summer 2027, with subsequent availability on television and streaming platforms. This project reflects a broader commitment to nurturing emerging animation talent and fostering a vibrant creative ecosystem in India.

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Radha Radhakrishnan, co-founder and CEO of Tenali Rama Animation, highlighted the film's goal of delivering a visually rich cinematic experience while reinforcing the importance of mentorship in the animation sector. Shibasish Sarkar, group CEO of Reliance Entertainment, noted that the project positions India as a potential global hub for high-quality hybrid animation and storytelling.

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Reliance Animation Studios has a history of producing successful animated content, including the "Little Krishna" TV series and the theatrical feature "Krishna aur Kans." Tenali Rama Animation, based in Bengaluru and incubated at the N.S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, specializes in creating content inspired by Indian epics and scriptures across various formats, including animation, books, and gaming.

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The collaboration between Reliance Animation Academy and Tenali Rama Animation for "Ravana – The Lost Battle with Shri Ram" represents a significant step in integrating education with industry practices in animation. By involving students in the production process, the project aims to enhance their skills and prepare them for careers in the global animation industry while bringing Indian mythology to contemporary audiences.

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