Kevin Lima To Direct MONKEYS OF MUMBAI At DreamWorks Animation

Left to Right: Lisa Stewart (producer), Paul Berges (writer), Gurinder Chadha (writer), Kevin Lima (director), AR Rahman (EP/composer), Stephen Schwartz (EP/lyricist), Chris Chase (producer). (PRNewsFoto/DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.)

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. has announced that Kevin Lima (Enchanted, Tarzan) will direct the upcoming feature film MONKEYS OF MUMBAI (working title), the studio’s first-ever Bollywood-style animated musical adventure. Lisa Stewart (Turbo, Monsters vs. Aliens) and Chris Chase (Enchanted, Tarzan) will serve as producers on the project.

As previously announced, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt, Enchanted) is serving as executive producer and lyricist, A.R. Rahman (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire, Bombay Dreams) is serving as executive producer and composer, and Gurinder Chadha & Paul Berges (Bride & Prejudice, Bend It Like Beckham) are writing the feature project.

“Kevin is a brilliant director and someone we’ve long wanted to work with at DreamWorks Animation,” said the studio’s Chief Creative Officer, Bill Damaschke. “We are thrilled to welcome him, Chris and Lisa on board to round out the excellent creative leadership team on Monkeys of Mumbai.”

“Ever since Enchanted, I’ve been looking for a film musical and when DreamWorks Animation approached me with the prospect of doing a Bollywood musical with such renowned collaborators, I knew this was the one,” added Kevin Lima.

Inspired by the great Indian epic tale of The Ramayana – but retold through the point of view of its monkeys – Monkeys of Mumbai revolves around two common monkeys who become unlikely heroes in a last ditch effort to stop an ancient, thought-to-be-mythical demon from conquering the world. The project is being overseen at DreamWorks Animation by development executive Chris Kuser.

About DreamWorks Animation

SKG DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for three consecutive years. In 2011, DreamWorks Animation ranks #10 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 22 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.

Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc