Ajay Sarpakshar’s Kannada sci-fi thriller Mandala to release in Hindi with English subtitles..

Platoon Distribution, the distribution wing of boutique film studio Platoon One Films has ventured into Kannada film distribution with US-based filmmaker Ajay Sarpeshkar’s sci-fi thriller Mandala: The UFO Incident.

The film follows an Indian American on a quirky adventure as his rocket scientist girlfriend gets abducted by a UFO. With all fingers pointed at him and without evidence, all he has is the support of an eccentric retired investigative journalist.

With a background in engineering and technology, Ajay Sarpeshkar will debut as a director with Mandala, the first film of a planned multi-film series.

The film stars veteran Indian actors Anant Nag and Prakash Belawadi as well as rising stars Sharmiela Mandre, Samyukta Hornad and Kiran Srinivas. After last year’s Hindi mythological superhero blockbuster Brahamastra, Mandala is another ambitious film riding the local superhero wave within the Indian cinema industry. The film’s extensive special effects have been post-produced in world-class facilities in Singapore, France and USA.

Ajay said "With this film, I wanted to kick start the under-explored sci-fi genre in the Indian film industry. I'm grateful to have great actors come together to create this start to the franchise. I hope this and subsequent films will inspire the younger minds to space exploration, science and technology; while also making them curious about their heritage and culture.” He adds, “I'm excited to have Platoon-One recognize the potential of this film and come onboard to release it world-wide. Shiladitya Bora and his team have a keen eye for indie gems and I'm glad to have them as partners in this exploration."

Platoon Distribution’s earlier successes include Rohena Gera’s Cannes award-winner SIR:Is Love Enough and Anamika Haksar’s Sundance selection Ghode Ko Jalebi Khilane Le Ja Riya Hoon. Shiladitya Bora, producer and founder of Platoon One Films, who will be in Berlinale next month representing his upcoming production Ghaath, a Marathi feature screening in the Panorama section, said “We’re thrilled to come on board to distribute Mandala, the first Kannada film on our roster, and looking forward to bringing Ajay Sarpakshar’s exciting and unique vision to the big screen in India and North America”.

Mandala will be releasing in cinemas in India and USA on March 10.