Thiruvananthapuram: Efforts to revive ancient Indian language Sanskrit have been on for quite a while. A collective of Sanskrit teachers, students and parents here is making a bid top popularise the divine language among children with a first-of-its-kind venture. The group has made a children’s film in Sanskrit and it is set for release.

The film titled 'Madhurasmitam' (Sweet Smile) has completed production under the banner of Sanskrit Productions, an entity of language buffs. The film will be screened at the theatres of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).

'Madhurasmitam' has been directed by Suresh Gayatri in his directorial debut. Story, dialogues and songs are all the handiworks of the Sanskrit teachers. Songs in Sanskrit are also featured.

A few Sanskrit feature films have been made in India before. But ‘Madhurasmitam’ stands out as it is the first children’s film in Sanskrit.

Director Suresh Gayatri said that the film was an attempt to make the Sanskrit language endearing to children. It is based on the book 'Wings of Fire', the inspirational autobiography of Missile Man of India and former President A P J Abdul Kalam.

The film stresses upon the need for strengthening the public education system.