Yash Raj Films enters into an agreement with Walt Disney

Yash Raj Films (YRF) has entered into an agreement with The Walt Disney Studios, world-renowned leaders in family entertainment, to exclusively create a series of original computer-animated feature films. It was announced today by Yash Chopra, Chairman of YRF, and Dick Cook, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. The collaboration marks the first time for both companies to enter a co-production to produce films in India.
Each film under this alliance will be creatively overseen by Aditya Chopra and worked on with an inventive array of leading local talent. The first film to be co-produced in this alliance will be ‘Roadside Romeo’, set to release in 2008. The film will be produced by Aditya Chopra and, written and directed by Jugal Hansraj, and will utilize state-of-the-art computer animation technology done entirely in India. The film will have voices of celebrities like Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Jaaved Jaaferi. Salim – Sulaiman will compose the music while Jaideep Sahni has written the lyrics
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Chopra said, “When YRF decided to venture into the animation space, we felt that an alliance with Disney Studios, the leader in animation, represented the coming together of not just two organizations, but the teaming up of like-minded individuals committed to creating excellent products. Both companies not only have a common quest for excellence but also the same culture and traditions”.
Mr. Cook said, “Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra have proven themselves to be true visionaries and leaders in the Indian entertainment industry and have excelled in everything they have done. Animation is a new and rapidly expanding area in India, and the collaboration between Disney and YRF will bring the very best in story-telling and cutting edge technology together as we make wonderful films that appeal to the entire family”.
This landmark announcement by Yash Chopra and Dick Cook is a first in the field of animation. YRF and Walt Disney Studios will work exclusively to co-produce a series of animation films in the Indian language. Both companies will be equal partners in the venture and will contribute creative, technical and financial support to the project.
What is Roadside Romeo about?
A rich, cool, spoilt brat of a dog is abandoned on the wicked streets of Mumbai. He faces situations he has never faced before. He is confronted by dangerous, loony characters, the likes of which he has never met before. From mansions to streets… From five course meals to five courses of scraps…From soft beds to piles of garbage…From champagne to tap water… Hop on to the adventure as Romeo turns into “Roadside Romeo”