Animation films are in vogue today and fairly a new concept in Indian cinema. Whether it is a 2D or 3D animation it has a massive impact on the audiences. Such films cater to the interest of all ages. Thus their popularity has prompted established entertainment houses to invest in this arena. Mostly the subjects of these animation films are based on Hindu mythology. It is simpler to narrate interestingly a known tale than introducing new characters to the audience. Moreover in a society where grandmother`s tales are being fast replaced by video games what better way it can be to familiarize kids with Hindu mythology!

History of Animation Films
The first animated film is Ek Anek Aur Ekta, a documentary film based on the values of unity. The film was produced by Doordarshan`s Film Division. The first Indian animated television series was Ghayab Aaya aired in 1986 and was directed by Suddhasattwa Basu. The first Indian 3D animated film was Jugal Hansraj directed Roadside Romeo.

Animated Films in India
The last decade has floated the entertainment industry with outstanding animation movies that has set its mark in the overseas market also. The movie Hanuman directed by V.G. Samant, Silvertoons and Milind Ukey in 2005 changed the fate of the animation film industry. `Hanuman` is one of the most adored mythological characters of all times. The film was superbly made and was interspersed with humour. The success of this film led to the production and release of a number of animation films in India. Soon the sequel `Hanuman Returns` was directed. However there are animation films which can be considered the predecessors of Hanuman. Such films include `Pandavas: The Five Warriors` (2000) and `The Legend of Buddha` (2004). The latter was India`s entry to the Oscars in the animated film category.

In the year 2006 and 2007 animation films on Lord Krishna were released in two parts: Krishna - The Birth (2006) and Krishna - The Makhan Chor (2007). In 2007 another animation film was released, `Bal Ganesha.` It dealt with the birth of Lord Ganesha and his childhood. Other animation films in Hindi include `Ghatothkacha,` `Luv Kush` and `My Friend Ganesha.` Even down south several projects went on floor to carry forward the legacy of Hanuman. `Kittu` was the first animated film in Telugu produced by Bhargav. Singeetam Srinivasa Rao`s Son of Alladin also enjoyed success and critical acclaim. He has also made `Mayabazar.` Animation films have become so popular in India that one of the leading entertainment houses, Yash Raj Films has teamed up with Walt Disney productions for an Indian language animation film, `Roadside Romeo.` Several other projects are also in the pipeline. The other animated movies made are `Jumbo` (2008), `Arjun - The Warrior Prince` (2009), `Toonpur Ka Superrhero` (2010), `Ramavana The Epic` (2010) and many others.

With the animation industry scaling great heights and the investors investing more and more cash many animation industries have evolved with time like the Reliance MediaWorks Ltd, UTV Toonz, Toonz Animation, Source Animation Studio, Octave Simulations and many more. Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune have become the country`s animation hub which has its annual turnover exceeding $854 million. In the last couple of years there have been several DVD releases of animated short films based on Hindu Mythology. Organizations have also been set up to monitor the growth of the industry. The Animation Society of India (TASI) with its head-office in Mumbai seek to update people about the emerging animation technologies as well as grant a platform for exchange of creative and technical information in India. It also hosts Anifest India, the biggest annual animation festival in the Indian subcontinent.

List of Indian Animated Movies

Ek Anek Aur Ekta (1974)
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (1992)
PANDAVAS - THE FIVE WARRIORS (2000)
Hanuman (2005)
Kittu (2006)
Krishna (2006)
Return of Hanuman (2007)
Roadside Romeo (2008)
Dashavatar (2008)
Ghatothkach (2008)
Cheenti Cheenti Bang Bang (2008)
Jumbo (2008)
Arjun - The Warrior Prince (2009)
Bal Ganesh (2009)
Lav Kush - The Warrior Twins (2010)
Toonpur Ka Superrhero (2010)
Ramayana The Epic (2010)
Koochie Koochie Hota Hain (2011)
Alibaba Aur 41 Chor (2011)