The Hindu Business Line : Percept plans more films; <I>Hanuman 2</I> on the cards

BUOYED by the unprecedented success of the film, Hanuman, Percept Picture Company, one of the producers of the 2D animated film, is upping its stake in the Indian film industry with a series of films.

The company is opting for a studio model wherein it would work on 10 to 15 film projects. "In 2006, we have a mix of big as well as small films and we hope to turn out seven films during the year," said Ms Chitra Subramanian, Business Head - Production, Percept Picture Company.

In terms of budget, these films would range from around Rs 2 crore to Rs 15 crore and above.

"More importantly, we are looking at innovation not only in terms of content but also in terms of genre as well as marketing of these films," Ms Subramanian said.

Animation is an area the company has been prompted to look at in the wake of Hanuman's performance in the theatrical circuit. Hanuman, according to her, has been able to bring in collections in excess of any other animation film released in India. "There is definitely a Hanuman 2 on the cards. We are also looking at animation stories," she said, adding that Percept is wont to raise the bar on the quality of animation, may be going up to 3D animation. Hanuman was made in the 2D format of animation.

In the genre category, Percept is looking at four Cs — Commercial, which could include drama or thriller; Comedy; Cause; and Children.

But strategically, Percept's primary focus would be on content. "There is one lesson you learn from box office performances - that any film should have entertaining content. You have to have a story to tell," she said.

At present, Percept is working with well-known directors including Priyadarshan, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ram Gopal Varma, Anupam Sinha and Anis Bazmi, who directed the successful film of 2005, No Entry.

Malamaal Weekly, directed by Priyadarshan, is slated for a release shortly. The main protagonists of the film are Om Puri and Paresh Rawal. Percept is also involved with Robby Frewal's Mera Pehla Pehla Pyar, Madhur Bhandarkar's two projects - Corporate and Signal. The entertainment company is also working with Anupam Sinha on the film, Gyarah, a sequel to the film Dus.