Vir Hirani set to voice Mowgli in AI-generated 'Jungle Book'
What's the story
Actor Vir Hirani, who made his streaming debut with Pritam & Pedro, is set to voice Mowgli in an upcoming AI-generated Indian feature film inspired by The Jungle Book. The project is being produced by Sripal Morakhia and directed by Soumitra Ranade, reported Variety India.
Career progression
Hirani's streaming breakthrough and subsequent offers
In Pritam & Pedro, directed by Avinash Arun, Hirani plays Pritam, a character embroiled in a cybercrime investigation.
His performance reportedly garnered attention for his voice, leading to offers for voice-over and dubbing assignments.
An independent source told the outlet that Hirani has received requests for animation projects as well as voice notes and ASMR recordings since the series' release.
Director's background
Ranade's experience in animation and children's storytelling
Ranade, the director of this upcoming project, has a wealth of experience in children's storytelling and animation.
He directed Jajantaram Mamantaram (2003), a beloved fantasy adventure that used live-action filmmaking with visual effects.
His other credits include Goopi Gawaiyaa Bagha Bajaiyaa and children's series such as Karadi Tales and Bandbudh Aur Budbak.
Voiceover tradition
Other Indian actors who have voiced animated characters
The new project also places Hirani in a long line of Indian actors who have lent their voices to animated characters.
Shah Rukh Khan voiced Mr Incredible, called Lajawab in the Hindi version of The Incredibles, while his son Aryan Khan voiced Dash.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan played Romeo and Laila in Roadside Romeo.
Akshay Kumar voiced the elephant protagonist in Jumbo, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas voiced Ishani in Planes.