India’s only Emmy-nominated animation studio, Vaibhav Studios, has finally unveiled the official trailer of its upcoming animated feature film ‘Return of the Jungle’, ahead of its theatrical release across the country on May 29. The film recently gained international attention after being showcased at the Cannes Film Market.
What the trailer shows us is a glimpse of
Directed by noted animation filmmaker Vaibhav Kumaresh, Return of the Jungle combines humour, adventure, music, emotion and Indian storytelling traditions inspired by the Panchatantra. The film presents a colourful narrative that connects the imaginative world of children with the adventures of jungle animals through a dual-world storytelling format.
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The trailer introduces viewers to a vibrant universe where the everyday experiences of schoolchildren intersect with the lives of jungle creatures. Framed as a modern Panchatantra-inspired tale, the story follows a group of junior school classmates and their friends as they navigate daily challenges that often seem much larger through a child’s perspective.
Packed with humour, warmth, colourful visuals and a cricket match woven into the storyline, the film seeks to entertain not only children but also adults who grew up listening to Indian folk tales and moral stories.
Watch the trailer here:
What the director has to say
Director Vaibhav Kumaresh, widely recognised for creating animated properties such as Simpoo, the popular JioStar mascot, and Lamput, the internationally acclaimed animated series under Warner Bros. Discovery, said the project holds special significance for him.
Speaking about the film, he said, “ROTJ is India captured in animation like never before! I am so happy that a feature film entirely self-funded and produced by a small bunch of artists is finally hitting the big screen on 29th May.”
The filmmaker also shared how his upbringing and experiences travelling across the country influenced the story and its themes.
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He said, “My dad is a retired Indian army officer. Thanks to that, I have grown up in different parts of our country, met different people, cultures, and soaked in amazing stories. Indian mythological & folk tales from the Jungle have always inspired me. They are extremely entertaining, inspiring and fun, but most importantly, they contain wisdom and valuable life lessons that are valid even today.”
Kumaresh further explained that the idea behind Return of the Jungle emerged from his desire to revive Indian folk storytelling for younger audiences increasingly exposed to foreign animation content.
He said, “As an adult, I was missing these stories, and when I saw young audiences eagerly consuming readily available foreign animation, I decided it was time for Return of the Jungle.”
Produced by Vaibhav Studios, the only Indian animation studio to have received two International Emmy nominations, the film aims to bring Indian mythology, folk traditions, and timeless moral lessons back to the big screen for a new generation.
