Hollywood, CA - "Delhi Safari," is directed by Nikhil Advani. Written by Girish Dhamija, Suyresh Nair, Nikhil Advani, and Milap Zaveri. It is voiced by some of
Hollywood's best actors including Jane Lynch (Glee), Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty), Cary Elwes (Princess Bride), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future),
Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond), Carlos Alazraqui (Happy Feet), Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Tara Strong (Rugrats), Brian
George (Austin Powers) and Rober Craig Smith (Assassin's Creed).
Delhi Safari is a bilingual, stereoscopic, 3D animation film and is India's first such feature film.
It has been produced by Krayon Pictures and is being distributed to the U.S. by Applied Arts.
The film released in India on October 19, 2012, and has already acheived a few accolades: The Best Feature Film Award at the FICCI Frames 2012 and as an Official Selection at the Annecy Film Fest.
With an expected U.S. Theatrical Release Date of December 7, 2012, "Delhi Safari" already finds itself as an Official Contender
in the 85th Academy Award Race for an Oscar in the Best Animated Feature Film category.
"Delhi Safari" held
its North American Premiere at the prestigious The Grove, Pacific Theatres in Los Angeles; and, what a
Premiere it was!
From the Green Carpet to PETAKIDS Elefriend to the numerous Hollywood VIP's,
a better presentation could not have been delivered. Cast Members were on hand to
talk and answer questions while Hollywood actors, shakers, and decision makers lined the Carpet all in great expectation to see "Delhi Safari" on the Big Screen.
It was refreshing to see that "Delhi Safari" did not disappoint. It is a beautifully made animated movie. It is charming, engaging, delightful; and yet, it is so more than that. "Delhi Safari" is a declaration of the value life.
The movie opens up with an immediate dilemma. The animals of the jungle are in danger. We quickly learn that the cub leopard Yuvi, played by Tara Strong, has lost his father,
Sultan, played by Cary Elwes, to the destructive and intrusive humans. A decision must be made as to how to find a way to prevent the forest they live in from being demolished.
Yuvi, his mother Begam, (Vanessa Williams), Bajrangi the Monkey (Carlos Alazraqui), Bagga the Bear (Brad Garrett) and Alex the Parrot (Tom Kenny) set off
on a mission to Delhi to convince the humans of the error of their ways.
Mayhem, sabotage, and danger come into play and are cleverly used to show the value of maintaining determination in the face of adversity. The animals know what they hope to achieve; and,
even when it seems all is lost, they continue on to see their decision played out to the end.
With consistency, clarity and gentleness, "Delhi Safari" delivers its message clearly throughout the film: Humanity must understand that if animals do not exist, then man, too, will cease to exist.
Director Nikhil Advani did an excellent job of keeping cohesion throughout "Delhi Safari". As the hodge-podge crew of friends travel through the jungle on their way to Delhi, they meet with other
animals and experiences. Nikhil brilliantly uses the occurrences to solidify the underlying message of living in harmony without coming off as overly preachy.
The musical score for "Delhi Safari" is superb. It was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, leading film music composers of India. This musical trio consists of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa. The lyrics were penned by Sameer.
A favorite musical number is the one performed by the Singing Flamingos (Jane Lynch and Jason Alexander). It's catchy, infectious, and, perfectly matching to the look and feel of the movie!
As for the animation, well, it is clear to see why it has received a Best Animated Feature Film Nomination from The Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences. It is as though the viewer
is watching a soft story book come to life. The coloring, shading, and rendering are excellent. There is no choppiness or disconnect with the art work. It's both easy on the eyes and pleasure to the visual senses.
"Delhi Safari" is a most enjoyable film for all ages. With a consistent storyline, clear message, and fabulous animation, "Delhi Safari" is sure to be a hit. Let's hope that their message
does just as well.
Film: Dehli Safari Presented by: Applied Arts Directed by: Nikhil Advani Produced by: Krayon Pictures Written by: Nikhil Advani, Girish Dhamya, and Suresh Nair Release dates: December 7, 2012 Total Running Time: 80 minutes
Gus Summers is the Host and Broadcast Producer for The "IN Show, an entertaining broadcast that covers all things exciting and enlightening.
When Gus isn't busy covering current events and interesting people, you'll see him out and about enjoying all that the City of Angels has to offer.
For any questions, comments, or program ideas, he can be reached at gus@theinshow.com.
