Vaibhav Kumaresh: Return Of The Jungle Represents ‘Make In India’ And ‘Make For India’”

Released on May 29, Return of the Jungle comes from Vaibhav Studios - India's only Emmy-nominated animation studio - and draws inspiration from the timeless wisdom of the Panchatantra, reimagined for today's audiences. Directed by Vaibhav Kumaresh, known for creating beloved properties like Simpoo and Warner Bros. Discovery's globally popular Lamput, the film follows a group of fourth-grade children discovering confidence, courage, and identity through magical jungle tales narrated by their grandfather.

Speaking about Indian animation becoming a serious business, Vaibhav Kumaresh says the industry still has a long way to go. "It's too early for that. I believe we need at least five feature-length films of different genres to cross ₹100 crores. That's when Indian animation will enter the serious business space. Mahavatar Narsimha has made a smashing start on that front, and I am proud to say that many filmmakers, including Vaibhav Studios, are working hard towards this goal."

Calling the film "the ultimate ambassador of Aatmanirbhar Bharat," Kumaresh says Return of the Jungle strongly represents "Make in India" and "Make for India." "It is strongly vocal for local and a strong push for India's rich indigenous stories. We want to create engaging animated content for local audiences first, especially at a time when India faces a huge onslaught of foreign animated content," he adds.

Kumaresh believes Return of the Jungle can contribute meaningfully to India's creative economy ecosystem. "It captures contemporary India in animation like never before. I am confident audiences will shower their love," he says.

Built over 15 years, the film was always envisioned as a long-term cultural IP. "Return of the Jungle was always planned as a long-term IP - a world-building and industry-building exercise. Two feature films are at different stages of writing. Episodic spin-off series, comics, merchandising products, games and animation education are all in the pipeline," shares Kumaresh.