A Bihari based in the US who has never been connected with films is all set to make the first animated movie in Malayalam, that too on the legendary Lord Ayyappa.

Titled Manikantan, the film produced by Mr Nalin Singh unfolds through the adventures of a seven-year-old girl and her pet parrot who make friends with the young lord.

The 90-minute movie which will hit theatres in November next year swears to break free from the Disney style and will also have five songs composed by Ilayaraja.

“The film will witness a blend of fantasy and reality when the girl and her parrot discover the lord’s magical bell in a temple grove,’’ said director Reji Syne.

“Our children are not going to pick up values by watching Superman and Batman. In fact, the animation scene today seems to have run short of characters with producers now turning to animals to churn out films,’’ says Nalin Singh who has held management roles in MNCs and currently is employed in the BPO industry.

 Manikantan will at least partly fulfill his desire to familiarise children with Indian mythological characters.

“We also want to provide a taste of the rich mythological variety that India has to the international audience, who think India is just tandoori and Taj Mahal,’’ says Singh.

“It will have a unique Malayalam style using murals and traditional symbols. Cultural values and bold techniques will make it an instant hit,’’ hoped Krishnakumar, who wrote the script  for the movie.

Initially, the film will be produced in Malayalam and Tamil, which will later be dubbed in other languages including English.  Mr Singh said that he got serious about the project when he came to know about the local talent available in the State particularly in Thiruvananthapuram.

The producers have already roped in top actors like Suresh Gopi and Thilakan to lend the voice for the Malayalam version. The puja function of Manikantan will be inaugurated by Minister for Cultural affairs M A Baby here on Wednesday.