UTV Motion Pictures? big-ticket animation project Arjuna seems to have hit the crossroads. Sources reveal that parts of this multi-crore film or even the entire film itself may be outsourced to Tata Elxsi’s Visual Computing Lab, which is the 3D and visual effects division of the company. Arjuna is being directed by Arnab Chaudhuri and is slated to hit the theatres by the end of 2009.
Industry sources reveal that the primary reason behind the move is lack of manpower. Currently, there are around 75-85 artists working on this film. However, they are not equipped enough to finish the movie on time. Also, if the entire movie is outsourced, no one is clear of the fate of the people who were working on it. UTV was supposed to launch a theatrical teaser with the release of its movie Race, but the teaser is yet to see the light of day. Insiders also claim that the project is getting delayed more because of certain differences of opinion within the creative team.
When contacted, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures, neither confirmed nor denied the news. Nitin Pai, general manager, marketing, Tata Elxsi too did the same. Pai said that they are bound by strict non-disclosure agreement and therefore, are in no position to talk about any of the projects they are currently working on. On the other hand, some quarters of the industry also said that Tata Elxsi has turned down the UTV offer as they feel Elxsi?s post-production unit doesn?t have enough manpower to handle Arjuna. Tata Elxsi is already working on Yashraj Production’s Roadside Romeo and is scheduled to start another film under the Walt Disney banner in six months? time.