Overview
Diageo India, through its Godawan single‑malts brand, launched “The Godawan”, a handcrafted stop‑motion short film, on 8 October 2026 during World Wildlife Week. The film was produced in partnership with award‑winning animation studio Studio Eeksaurus and was directed and conceptualised by 22feet and McCann India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.
Production Details
The eight‑month production involved more than 100 artists and craftspeople. Its visual world was built from over 5,200 individual ceramic pieces inspired by Jaipur Blue Pottery; each piece was physically made, arranged and photographed by hand, accounting for roughly 15,000 production hours.
Music and Sound
An original score was created by Oscar‑winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, Grammy‑winning percussionist Taufiq Qureshi and national‑award‑winning composer Rajat Dholakia, drawing on Rajasthani folk traditions and instruments such as the Ravanahatha and Morchang.
Conservation Context
The film celebrates the Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), once a contender for India’s national bird, with a dedicated day on 21 May. Diageo’s conservation milestones include the 2023 “Godawan 100” (100 birds), the 2024 Durbar cultural platform, the 2025 “Godawan 173” collector’s edition of 173 bottles, and a projection of the bird’s revival on the Qutub Minar on World Environment Day.
Executive Comments
Ruchira Jaitly, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India, said the hand‑crafted approach reflects the patience required for both the film and the bird’s protection. Suresh Eriyat, Co‑Founder and Director of Studio Eeksaurus, noted the eight‑month, 15,000‑hour effort mirrors the conservation journey. Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, McCann India, highlighted the project’s support for regional artisans and the use of Jaipur Blue Pottery as a cultural medium.
Distribution
The short film is available on YouTube and Instagram via the links provided in the release.
About the Partners
Studio Eeksaurus, founded in 2009 by Suresh and Nilima Eriyat, has won multiple National Film Awards and two Annecy Cristals, including the jury award for “Desi Oon” in 2025.
Diageo India, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc. and listed on the NSE and BSE as United Spirits Limited, operates 35 manufacturing facilities and markets brands such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Tanqueray and Godawan. The company emphasizes grain‑to‑glass sustainability, responsible consumption and broader societal impact.
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