The multi-award-winning independent animation studio, Aardman (Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Pirates, Arthur Christmas), and the critically acclaimed film director Gurinder Chadha OBE (Bend It Like Beckham; Bride and Prejudice; Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging; Viceroy’s House; Blinded by the Light) have announced that they are partnering on a feature film project.

Peter Lord and Gurinder Chadha OBE (Image via Riot Communications)

Aimed at a global family audience, the exuberant, warm-hearted musical will tell the story of Bodhi, a young Indian elephant from the jungles of Kerala with an impossible dream – to be a Bollywood dancer!

The film will be directed by Gurinder Chadha, who is co-writing the script with Paul Mayeda Berges, under the banner of their production company Bend It Networks.

Aardman is a Great British national treasure. I am honoured and excited to bring my unique British Asian vision to their acclaimed animation studio. Their work has so much heart, humour and affection, and we share a love of authentic and joyful underdog stories about memorable characters – so it really is a perfect match.

-Gurinder Chadha

We are so excited to be collaborating with Gurinder, a truly great director whose beautiful, funny, and warm storytelling we have long admired. Her talent, when combined with the team here at Aardman, promises something new and extraordinary in the world of animation.

–Peter Lord, Creative Director at Aardman

Aardman and Bend It Networks will work with Indian voice talent, musicians, and designers on the project, which is in advanced development.