Amitabh Bachchan gets animated, Priyadarshan to direct

The 'Shehenshah of Bollywood' is lending his voice for the feature length animated film, 'Twinergy', which is being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan. The film based on the universal theme of good and evil is filmmaker Priyadarshan's first animation project and will see Big B playing the lead as well as lending his famous baritone to his character.

A B Corporation has entered into a tie-up with media entertainment major Toonz India to produce the full-length animated film. The pre-production work of the Rs 20 crore venture has begun in Toonz studio at the Technopark here and the film is expected to release during Diwali in 2010, P Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Animation India Pvt Ltd told reporters.

"This movie has several unique features. This is for the first time that a Bollywood icon associating with an animated film. Also, this is the first animated film by Priyadarshan," Jayakumar said.

"For Toonz India, this also part of its 10th anniversary projects. We have been able to make a global mark in animated entertainment during this period," he said. The film revolves around twin brothers of a magical kingdom, with Bachchan's character finally saving their world from evil, he said.

A royal family, united by love but divided by misunderstanding, adopt the twins Dhruva and Vajra into their fold. United by their powers and benevolence, they become divided due to machinations of a greedy and power hungry uncle. In the end, the twins realize that energy is more than power and when properly balanced it binds everyone together. "We are sure it is going to entertain both children and grownups alike and set them thinking," Jaya Kumar said.