(Image source from: India's most expensive animation Mahabharata releases Friday)

Armed with a stellar voice-over cast and a tried and tested storyline, Jayantilal Gada's Mahabharata is all set to hit theaters this Friday. But can it give 'Dhoom:3' a tough run?

"The two films are expected to maintain a good balance at the box office." says Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines.

"Both the films have different audiences. I feel that kids will like to go and watch Mahabharat. But, of course, if Dhoom: 3 sustains till Friday, then it might become an issue." said Mr Thadani.

However, the makers don't seem to be in any competition with YRF's hit, and will only release Mahabharata in 125-150 screens. Touted as India's most expensive animated film, it has been made on a budget of Rs 50 Crores with minimal promotion.

Directed by Amaan Khan, the 125-minute animation film is an outcome of seven years of hard work. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has dubbed for Bheeshma, Vidya Balan for Draupadi, Sunny Deol for Bheem, Ajay Devgn for Arjun, Anil Kapoor has lent his voice for Karna, and Manoj Bajpayee has dubbed for Yudishthir's character.

AW: Suchorita Dutta