John to play the lead in a 3-D animation film based on the Arabian Nights

John Abraham has been signed on to play the lead in his first animation movie. The 3-D animation film is titled Alibaba and the 40 thieves and is being made by Soumitra Ranade (of Jajantaram Mamantaram fame). The director says he has cast him because ‘John has honesty in his voice’.

Now isn’t that a funny reason to cast a star? “Even if a star’s face is not seen in an animation movie, it is very important to choose an actor who suits the role. John plays the role of Alibaba and he is thought of as a wise and honest and upright man,” says Soumitra.

“When you hear him and remember his face, you will think of him in those terms,” he adds.

The other actors to dub for the film are Raza Murad, Mukesh Tiwary, Ashutosh Rana and Saurabh Shukla. The film will narrate the story of a little boy named Chinku who gets transported into the world of Arabian Nights and lands up in the company Alibaba in an adventures where he wins over the evil forces.

“The film has the original Arabian Nights flavour in it but has a modern angle to it. It is sophisticated,” says Soumitra. “The film starts in modern day Mumbai and then goes to the land of the Arabian Nights where the look is entirely exotic. The animation is in the likes of Happy Feet, King Kong and Monsters Inc.,” he adds.

The film is currently looking for a big Bollywood actress to do the voice over for the female lead. “The voice overs for all other characters is finalised. The shooting is also over. We are just searching for a big Bollywood actress to give her voice for the character. It is a big budget film and we want to make it grand,” he ends.