Targeting tots via the television route, GV Films and Jaya TV join hands to present an exciting 3D experience at home, the first of its kind ever. `An entertainment that caters for all age groups from five to 80,' claim the brochures circulated. A preview of the 3D imaging used in the new serial, `Maayaavi,' was enough to make clear that an enjoyable show awaits kids and TV buffs.

A secret agent with supernatural powers, the hero belongs to the Superman, Batman ilk. Actually he is a powerful, astute fighting machine, who has an extremely strong steel hand (literally!) where each finger is a deadly weapon in itself. This and other gizmos of `Maayaavi,' are bound to be a hit with children and fans of the adventure/fantasy genre. "Using animation, CGs, 3D and 4D [nowadays] isn't very easy. A lot of thought, plan, time and money have gone into the production," said an enthusiastic Mahadevan Ganesh of GV Films, who introduced the product. "Muraliraaman and his team at Jaya are hard workers and taskmasters too," he smiled adding, `"Maayaavi' will do for Jaya what KBC did for STAR." That could be an exaggeration, but with innovations working overtime, `Maayaavi' has all the makings of a draw. Probably it is this element of newness that made Bala Swaminathan, Jaya TV's VP, Marketing, optimistically state, "Maayaavi' will be the hit of the season."

As of now, 26 episodes of `Maayaavi' have been planned. The serial, produced with American technology, from the Los Angeles firm, Dimension3, will be presented in Anaglyph Video Stereoscopic Imaging format, which will give an edge-of-the-seat thriller feel to the serial, the makers said.

Mega project

But what about the special glasses you need for 3D viewing? Said Jaya TV's V. Muraliraaman, vice president, Programming: "That's where our planning and pioneering skills will be to the fore. Specially coated anaglyph glasses will be distributed to all households through their respective cable operators. The glasses have been carefully chosen and coated following stringent technical standards. As a first step 50 lakh glasses will be given all over the State. The number will be increased according to the need." "We haven't forgotten either wear and tear or the possibility of glasses getting lost," Mahadevan pitched in. Jaya plans to run detailed promos pertaining to 3D viewing and use of glasses. The serial could take off in other States also, the modalities of which are being worked out.

The inauguration that evening had effective lighting and an impressive set. The only snag was, the programme began an hour and a half later than expected. Time being a precious commodity, invitees got restless.

The cast will be new to Tamil TV watchers. Directed by Ilavarasan, `Maayaavi' will have music scored by Sharath. Though the language is Tamil, the 20-minute viewing of `Maayaavi,' gave the impression that at least some of the portions had been dubbed. "A little bit here and there probably. But what was your impression of the 3D effect in the episode?" was Muraliraman's diplomatic counter. "It was good," you agreed.