The Walt Disney Company Indiais shooting a Telugu-language epic fantasy adventure, which marks the studio’s first production aimed at Southern Indian audiences.

The yet-to-be-named feature will be made in the Telugu language and dubbed into Tamil to broaden its appeal in Southern India. Directed by Prakash Rao Kovelamudi and produced by K. Raghavendra Rao, the film started production in November 2009 and is scheduled for release in January 2011.

“India is one of the most dynamic and creatively vibrant markets in the world and this film demonstrates Disney’s continued commitment to building a robust and diverse slate of locally produced films,” said Jason Reed (pictured) who was recently appointed as general manager, Walt Disney Studio International Productions.

Set in the ficticious landof Sangarashtra, the film follows a nine-year-old girl with special healing powers and her quest to save her land from an evil queen played by local star Lakshmi Manchu. The cast also includes Sidharth, Shruthi Hassan, daughter of Tamil star Kamal Hassan, and nine-year-old actress Harshitha.