One of India’s most famous comics characters, Padma Vibhushan ShriRK Laxman’s ”The Common Man,” will be brought to animated life incontent across multiple platforms thanks to a joint venture between RKIPR Management and premiere animation studio AssemblageEntertainment. The project was announced by Honourable Prime MinisterNarendra Modi Ji at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, as part of the launch of theTimeless Laxman print collection of previously unpublished works by thecartoonist.

The Common Man has been a comic mascot of Indian life for over sixdecades, frst through appearances in comic strips starting in 1951 andthen regular cartoons in daily newspapers. For these many years, TheCommon Man served as a stark observer of the nation’s highs and lows,always in the right place at the right time to bring out the irony orcomedy of any situation. The classic character will be given a renewed,contemporary identity by the project’s creative teams.

“Dad was a visionary. He always wanted The Common Man’s characterto live beyond him and felt that animation was a compelling and excitingmedium,” said Usha Srinivas Laxman, the artist’s daughter-in-law and akey force in continuing his legacy. “He believed in the power ofstorytelling and how animated form could render itself very naturally tothis character.

Assemblage Ent.’s CEO AK Madhavan added: “Shri RK Laxman isindeed a legend. Using the aid of an adorable and honorable old man, hewas able to change the outlook of the largest democracy in the world, onechuckle at a time. What was most powerful however, was that TheCommon Man’s character had no specifc name, age, religion, politicalviews or any such attributes, yet had the most unique identity andpersonality. Humor and wit will be in abundance and there will be roomfor a more progressive and current favor to the new rendition.”

India’s progressive youth remain deeply connected to the character,who serves as a symbol of hope, power and positive change who doesharm to none while conveying an eloquent message about importantcurrent issues that need to be addressed. The project partners seeanimation as the ideal way to build a timeless legacy for The CommonMan that transcends generations, cultures and borders.

The partners will also take advantage of today’s digital ecosystem,which will allow the character to manifest in diferent forms for diferentaudiences, extending to augmented/virtual reality and social media. Theywill also be digitizing Laxman’s print works, leveraging the animation foreducation technology, and expanding the franchise to include the“Common Woman” and other members of a “Common” family, each witha unique voice.

India’s everyday superhero will also take his new animated look tomerchandising, toys, collectibles, radio, live events, advertising, etc.,throwing light on issues that have been in the shadows wherever he goes.

https://youtu.be/tJiJYq1jVw8