In a move that’s stirring excitement across India’s creative circles, veteran director Subhash Ghai orchestrated the stellar Anamalia Animation Festival at Whistling Woods International. Spanning three dynamic days, this Mukta Arts initiative under his guidance successfully concluded, injecting new life into animation while championing Indian narratives worldwide.
Ghai marked the wrap-up with Instagram highlights, capturing moments with key participants. ‘Proud moment for Whistling Woods as Anamalia lit up our campus for three days with zeal,’ he wrote. ‘This is our push to globalize Indian stories via animation.’
Esteemed guests elevated the event: Neena Sabanani as festival director, Anita Karnik, Archana Traez, Matthew Bejo of the French Embassy, Ain Doshi, Meghna, and Chaitanya from Whistling Woods. Ghai’s shoutout was warm: ‘Grateful for meeting you all—your blessings fuel us forward.’
The festival wasn’t just festivities; it was a platform for forward-thinking dialogues on animation’s growth. Ghai shared his roadmap in a media interaction: animating his 1976 hit Kalicharan first. ‘Its thrilling plot is ideal—fun for kids, viable for theaters and animation alike,’ he explained.
On adaptations, he clarified, ‘Plot remains true to source, but we’ll animate characters and style innovatively.’ This strategic pivot positions Ghai to bridge generations, transforming live-action gold into animated treasures.
Anamalia’s impact lingers, heralding an animation renaissance rooted in India. Ghai’s Kalicharan project could be the catalyst, drawing eyes from Bollywood to Hollywood.