Animation film ‘Mini and the Rockstars’ shows why rocks are the real stars of the ecosystem

Written and directed by Hyderabad-based Gunjan Ashtaputre and Aishwarya Yerra, animation film ‘Mini and the Rockstars’ shows why rocks are the real stars of the ecosystem

In the animation film Mini and the Rockstars, protagonist Mini is a curious little girl in the mood for a picnic. Wearing a long, yellow t-shirt with a large heart-shaped print, she sets off to see the balancing rocks and experience Nature.

While her father is enjoying his afternoon siesta and mother is busy reading and doing yoga, this budding vlogger takes her father’s phone to shoot pictures. The magic unfolds when she sees a glowing Palapitta — Indian Roller, the State bird of Telangana, which vanishes after leading her to a beautiful rock enclosure. Mini is alone and apprehensive but the fear disappears when she meets new people and listens to the story of the planet from the perspective of rocks. In the end, she becomes a changemaker in her own way.

Gunjan Ashtaputre | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Written and directed by Hyderabad-based Gunjan Ashtaputre and Aishwarya Yerra, the seven-minute animation film in English interspersed with a few Telugu words highlights the importance of rocks in the ecosystem.

Although it is set around the iconic balancing rock formations of Hyderabad, the narrative could be true of any other city facing depletion of rock formations due to urbanisation. “It is a story about listening to the earth; it connects to children and resonates with people of all ages,” says Gunjan.

Mini at the rock enclosure | Photo Credit: Special arrangement