Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Comics has teamed up with Kahani World, an independent animation company based in Toronto, to co-produce a full length animated feature inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana.

The film "Secrets of the Seven Sounds" for children of seven years and above is already in an advanced stage of development. Full production begins in just seven weeks, IESB.net - Independent Entertainment News - reported Tuesday.

"The Ramayana continues to be the bedrock of India's cultural identity in ways that no other myth can claim," it quoted Deepak Chopra, best-selling New Age author and chairman of Virgin Comics, as saying.

"The Seven Sounds animated film is a marvellous way to share this story and inspire children around the world," said Chopra who co-founded, Virgin Comics with Shekhar Kapur, director of "Four Feathers", "Bandit Queen" and the 8-time Oscar nominated "Elizabeth", and Richard Branson.

In addition to action, adventure and fantasy, the film challenges tradition by asking one to consider what it might really be like to be the little brother of the Chosen One?

"Seven Sounds" tells the story of the handsome, naturally gifted, and love-struck prince Ram who destiny has chosen to rescue princess Sita (the object of his affections) and save the world from the villainous Ravan.

But the real hero of "Seven Sounds" is of course, Lux - prince Ram's 11 year-old little brother - the family's insightful and often-overlooked intrepid fighter.

The animated feature based on an original story by Gotham Chopra, Sharad Devarajan and Jeevan Kang will be brought to market in the summer of 2007.

"Our comics and film stories are infused with characters and mythic sensibilities that resonate with audiences around the globe," said Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Virgin Comics.

"Kahani World shares our vision and understands the importance of epic storytelling. Together we are uniquely positioned to produce an exceptional animated feature, and adapt the film for global merchandising, graphic novels and promotional campaigns.

"It's about time the world is exposed to the rich mythology we have stored up in our vaults in India and Asia. With Kahani, we are excited to be bringing one of the greatest Indian legends, re-fashioned, to the world, and in doing so create new planetary myths that people everywhere can enjoy," said Gotham Chopra, Virgin Comic's chief creative officer. "This is just the start!"

"Kahani is focused on creating and producing world-class animation brands that become icons in India, resonate throughout Asia, and also appeal to audiences around the world," said Biren Ghose, animation veteran, CEO and president of Kahani World Inc. and executive producer of "Secrets of the Seven Sounds".

"We aim to put a new spin on storytelling, blending stories that may have an "Indian DNA" but which thrive in the contemporary context and culture of the global kidizen. Virgin Comics and Virgin Animation have succeeded in straddling the East - West paradigm with equal excellence and are an inspiration and benchmark for what Kahani seeks to achieve as a company.