Tamil star Arya’s new film Teddy, directed by Shakti Soundarajan, is in the news for a special reason. Teddy becomes the first Tamil film to use an Indian company to design a special animated character.

It also becomes the second Tamil film to use motion-capture technology, to bring to life a teddy bear.

In an interview, Soundarajan said: “Unlike the Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan, ours isn’t an animated movie. The technology has been used only for one particular character. We roped in an artist to bring the special character, which will appear for 80 minutes, live on screen.” His previous film Tik Tik Tik, a space-based theme, was also heavy on animation.

Motion capture or mo-cap refers to the process of recording movements of objects or people. The specialists place sensors all over an actor. The sensor then tracks their movements, allowing them to be mapped on a computer screen in real-time. Animators then create a virtual set for the movement to take place in. Director Shankar first used a form of mo-cap and 3D holograph for the song Kannodu Kanbathellam in Jeans (1998).

A few weeks ago, the makers released the song En iniya thanimaye from the film, which is a one-of-its-kind 3D lyrical video. The viral song has music composed by Imaan, lyrics by Madhan Karky and has been sung by Sid Sriram. Set to be released summer 2020, the film features real-life couple Sayyeshaa and Arya.