Rajiv Chhilaka is a highly qualified man and also well experienced in the art of filmmaking and has to his credit of being known as the creator of India’s most popular animated character named Chhota Bheem. Besides he has also directed many 2D animated movies which has premiered on Cartoon Network & Pogo Channels.
How about giving us a brief insight into your pre – filmic background?
I hold a Master’s degree in computer Science from the University of Missouri Kansas City, USA & a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad.
Then how come a well – qualified guy like you has jumped on to the bandwagon of creative film making both on the small screen as well as big screen?
In this regard I wish to state that it was my intense passion & profound interest in animation technology that drew me into the arena of creative filmmaking.
How & where did your creative film making begin?
First of all let me inform you that after completing my academic qualification I underwent training in script writing, story boarding, 3D & 2D Animation, Visual Effects and of course I picked up directional skills too.
And then?
To start off with I have been instrumental in shaping the foundation of Green Gold Animation Academy right from its inception. Finally this interest in animation led me to direct theatrical animated movies. So after the success of the 1st ever theatrical movie Chhota Bheem And Curse of Damayan I decided to release one animated movie every year. Actually speaking my vision is to lead Green Gold Animation Academy into becoming another Disney or Pixar of the world.
Can you outline the repertoire of Green Gold Animation Academy?
First of all the Green Gold Animation Academy has to its credit the creation of the 1st ever animated character named Chota Bheem which has already become one of the highest rated Television show of its own genre. That apart Chhota Bheem has a line of merchandise available pan India through Green Gold stores for instance 22 stores & 4 more in the pipeline, and a shop in shop retails outlets, which has more than 4000 outlets. Moreover Green Gold Animation Academy has also come up with 3 theatrical releases namely Chhota Bheem And The Curse of Damayan released in the year 2012, Chhota Bheem And The Throne Of Bali released in the year 2013, Mighty Raju Rio calling released in the year 2014 and now Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure which is releasing next week to be precise on 8th Jan, 2016.
What was the inspiration behind the making of a series of films on Chhota Bheem?
To be very frank the idea of making a series of film based on the character of Chhota Bheem created by me, which had originated when I had gone to Manali with my writer Teja Pratap. It was here after seeing the beautiful landscapes that we got the idea of weaving a series of adventurous anecdotes bordering around the character of Chhota Bheem. Which is nothing but fantasy loved by children and even people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Okay so can we say that the next movie in the series namely Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure is also inspired by the same landscape thought?
Yes! Of course you can say that as it is very much true.
Now can you tell us why so less films are made for children in India?
The simple reason for this is that there is no proper market for children’s film and moreover good contents for children’s film are also not available. What we really need to develop children’s film is good writers and fairly good outlets for marketing & promoting children’s film.
Don’t you think that the children’s Film Festival held in Hyderabad is the right place to showcase children’s film?
Yes! You are right. It is the right platform to showcase Children’s film. But that’s about it. You can only showcase your film and perhaps bag an award for your film but you cannot promote & market your film totally. Maybe luck by chance you may get overseas buyers. Besides this particular children’s festival is held only once in 2 years. Yes even films in Chhota Bheem series were entered in this festival and they bagged awards too. But we had to viciously promote & market our films on our own for its theatrical release. And lastly can you pinpoint any prominent films that were ultimately released due to their participation in this particular film festival.
What more is ailing children’s film?
To be very frank the multiplex scenario and it’s highly priced ticketing system. Now you can’t expect children to go alone to catch these films and most of the parents just can’t afford the multiplex luxuries to enable their children to see these films.
To wrap up this interactive session can you tell us what are your expectations from the release of Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure, releasing this week?
I only want my film Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure to reach each & every children at least on the Indian shores then whatever be the outlets. And moreover I will continue to make children’s film, whether it is a winning or losing proposition, focusing on every genre like comedy, sci – fi, adventure, fantasy et al.
