DISNEY CHANNEL ACQUIRES ‘FELUDA – THE KATHMANDU CAPER’ FROM DQE

The first ever TV movie based on Satyajit Ray’s famous detective series

MUMBAI, Ma**rch 30, 2010:* Disney Channel announces the acquisition of FELUDA – THE KATHMANDU CAPER -- the first ever animated TV movie based on one of India’s best loved detective series – Feluda, by globally acclaimed Oscar winning director, author Satyajit Ray from, DQ Entertainment International limited -- the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company. The Kathmandu Caper developed as a 60 minute TV movie, is a 100% home grown production coming exclusively to Disney Channel viewers.

Said Devika Prabhu, Associate Director, Programming Walt Disney Television International India, “Disney Channel is committed to building a comprehensive entertainment destination for kids and families driven by local relevance, creativity and timeless storytelling. Feluda is a popular detective series by a master storyteller, Satyajit Ray, whose appeal goes beyond time and age of the reader. In line with our endeavor to showcase local Indian stories, characters and backdrops that appeal to kids and families alike, we are thrilled to showcase Feluda exclusively on Disney Channel for our viewers and millions of Feluda fans across India”.

The story of The Kathmandu Caper is fast paced, invigorating and action packed. A series of mystery crop failures is devastating Nepal and threatens to spread to India. Feluda goes to Kathmandu accompanied by loyal followers

Jatayu, Topshe and Bones the dog. Feluda battles his way deep into the mountains of Nepal in a memorable adventure with lots of drama and mystery, laced with subtle humour.

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group said, “Our objective is to introduce this genre of animated adventure to the new generation of discerning young TV viewers. We are absolutely sure that the combination of this particular genre which is adventure and mystery will definitely have world-wide appeal.”

“To bring back an iconic fictional character in animation, especially with an existing fan following, is a huge challenge. The story is fast paced, with elements of mystery, thrill and drama laced with the subtle and cerebral humour that Satyajit Ray is famous for. We are delighted that Disney has joined hands with us on this endeavor as this will further enthuse our team to achieve the best. Also, I am immensely grateful for the support of Shri Sandeep Ray, Director, son of Late Shri Satyajit Ray, for allowing us to take these phenomenal detective stories to animation for audiences across the world.” adds Tapaas.

Feluda is a series of novels and short stories written by famous Indian director, author and painter par excellence, Satyajit Ray. The adventures of Feluda and Topshe have enthralled Indian readers for over three decades. In addition to the 32 National Film Awards and the Legion of Honour by the President of France, Ray was particularly acclaimed for his contribution to children’s literature, which included unpretentious and entertaining subjects of adventure, detective stories, fantasy and science fiction.

About Disney Channel India:

Disney Channel offers an unparalleled blend of quality Disney entertainment and distinctive, originally produced programs that kids love and families trust and enjoy. This includes Disney’s movies and series, sitcoms, family dramas and live action adventure stories. The channel’s multi-genre programming is designed to meet hitherto under-served needs of India’s preschool, kids and family audiences.

About DQ Entertainment International

DQE is one of the leading producers of animation, visual effects, game art and entertainment content for the Indian as well as global media and entertainment industry with a workforce of over 2800 permanent employees and a global client - partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC Group, M6/ France TV/ TF-1 Broadcasting groups from France, ZDF Germany and many more world-wide.

DQE has produced/co-produced and distributed iconic brands such as Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, second season of Large Family, third season of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and is now producing properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE has a library of over 350 hours of international programs for distribution. DQE is also developing and producing ‘The Jungle Book’ as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are in production like Mysteries of Feluda, and Omkar. DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.