Yash Raj Films (YRF), India’s premier studio, has entered into an agreement with The Walt Disney Studios, world-renowned leaders in family entertainment, to exclusively create a series of original computer-animated feature films.

Disney is the biggest name in Animation globally and YRF is India’s biggest and most prolific film company, the collaboration between the two majors is a landmark event in the Indian as well as global animation and entertainment business.

The first film to be co-produced in this alliance will be ‘Roadside Romeo’, set to release in 2008. The film will be produced by Aditya Chopra and, written and directed by Jugal Hansraj, and will utilize state-of-the-art computer animation technology done entirely in India.

Roadside Romeo is the story of Romeo.  A dude who was living the life. He had the works – the mansion to live in, the chicks to party with and the cars to be driven around in. Until one day, the family he was the favourite pet of, decided to move and left him back, abandoned on the mean streets of Mumbai.

Romeo is now faced with situations he has never been in before. He encounters four strays, who scare the daylights out of him. But soon, he smooth talks his way into their hearts and he makes friends.

Then, Romeo finds love! He encounters the beautiful, ravishing Laila, the most beautiful girl he has ever seen… and he loses his heart to her at first sight!

And finally, he encounters a villain! The dreaded Don of the area – Charlie Anna! The Don who everyone is scared of. So hop on to the adventure as Romeo, wins friendship, love and a new life – in spite of Charlie Anna and his gang!

Saif Ali Khan presents the voice of Romeo. Kareena Kapoor and Jaaved Jaaferi will also lend their voice for the characters. The dialogues were written by Abbas Tyrewala. The music was composed by Salim–Sulaiman and the lyrics were created by Jaideep Sahni.

The animation work in the film will be executed by Tata Elxsi. “The film will have the typical characteristics of a Yash Raj Film with songs, dance, drama, comedy and romance,” says Chopra.

Disney will be co-producing an animated feature outside the United States for the first time, said Mark Zoradi, Walt Disney’s marketing president. Disney is expected to invest around $100 million outside US during next two years and major portion will be invested in Indian market just to keep the popularity of the animation movies in the country.