Filmmaker Nikhil Advani’s recently released 3D animation movie ‘Delhi Safari’ has been shortlisted as one of the contenders for best animated feature film category for the 85th Oscars.

The director is thrilled to bits about this piece of news.

“I am very happy. When I was making ‘Delhi Safari’, I had no expectation from the film... The film has found its own way. We are thrilled and excited. We have received positive response for the movie,” said a positively beaming Nikhil Advani to IANS.

The director said that this was a wakeup call to all the other directors and producers.

“With animation films, things will not change unless studios start backing these projects. This is a wakeup call for the industry that says the audiences are ready for such films,” said Advani, who rose to fame with movie ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’.

“I am not asking them to put huge amount of money like they put in for ‘Rowdy Rathore’ or any other films. But at least put some money for such films,” he concluded.

Another Indian animation flick ‘Hey Krishna (Krishna aur Kans’ is also among the 21 movies that have been shortlisted for consideration in the best animated feature film category. The final five contenders for the awards will be revealed on January 10.