India’s first female animated superhero returns with 'Priya's Mask'; film voiced by Vidya Balan, Mrunal Thakur, others

India's first female comic book superhero, Priya, is gearing up to dive into a brand-new riveting adventure. The fourth edition of India's first pioneering comic book series, 'Priya’s Mask' this time tackles the unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic that has challenged everyone in India and around the world. 

The comic book and film will be released worldwide on December 2, 2020, on multiple platforms. Released as an augmented reality comic book, the installment is paired with an animated short film featuring the voices of feminist leaders from the U.S. and India, including icon Vidya Balan, Rosanna Arquette, Mrunal Thakur, and Sairah Kabir.

Named a "gender equality champion" by UN Women, the series was created by U.S.-based media house Rattapallax founder, documentary filmmaker, and technologist Ram Devineni. 'Priya’s Mask' is produced by Tanvi Gandhi, Indrani Ray, and Monika Samtani, written by Shubhra Prakash, with illustrations and animation by Syd Fini, Hamid Bahrami, and Neda Kazemifar. 

In an unprecedented and historic collaboration, the installment will present a debut alliance between two hugely successful female comic book superheroes from neighboring countries, with Priya collaborating with Pakistan's female superhero, Burka Avenger in their fight against the deadly virus. 

Voiced by Mrunal Thakur, Priya will be remodelled for the very first time, shedding away from her former salwar-kameez clad avatar and embracing a feisty teenage demeanour seen in young women around the world.

Speaking about her role, Mrunal Thakur said, "As an avid comic book lover, I resonated strongly with Priya’s superhero character and realised she is someone I would like to bring to life through the creative medium. I have always aspired to be that superwoman who spreads awareness around social issues and it couldn’t be more exciting than to be a part of an animation character who is the voice of reason. Characters like Priya and Sahas are putting forth the message of how we need the world to become a more inclusive place to live in."

Meanwhile, Vidya Balan said, "Clearly I have a thing for tigers! Jokes aside though what Priya stands for resonated with me at so many levels and it’s the essence of Sahas that connected with me - her strength, her empathy, her confidence. The animation apart from being a nod to caregivers globally which in itself is wonderful and timely and necessary, carries a strong message of solidarity - so it was an easy yes for me and I'm happy to be part of this wonderful film."