Mumbai: The streaming platforms are flooded with a number of anime shows and films, mostly dubbed to make it more understandable for the audience. However, a true anime otaku (in Japan meaning having obsessive interest in something especially in anime & manga) would agree that there is absolutely no substitute to anime in the original Japanese language, for the true essence of anime and Manga-like pop culture remain instilled herein. In a good news for otakus, Animax has made a return to India, thanks to KC Global Media, and which brought a boxful of popular anime shows, characters and films in original Japanese language with English subtitles. If you are a true otaku, here’s what you must watch on Animax:
Gintama
The anime show is based on a Japanese Manga series that has been illustrated and written by Hideaki Sorachi which began in December 2003 and finally ended in June 2019. The story is set in Edo, a land that has been conquered by the Amanto who are aliens. The story follows Samurai Gintoki Sakata and his friends Shinpachi Shimaru and Kagura. The trio live together on rent and went on many adventures in life, and proved to be great friends to each other. With a generous dose of humor thrown in, the series is a must watch for anime lovers.
Golden Gumay
This action series has been the winner at 24th Japan Media Arts Festival, 2021 in the category- Social Impact Awards. It also won the grand prize in the 51st Cartoonists Association Awards in 2022 and is loved by children and adults alike for its fast- paced action.
Naruto
It would be surprising to find a millennial in India who wouldn’t know about Naruto, the teenage boy who wanted to become the Hokage or head of his village. The day Naruto was born, a huge nine tail fox attacked the village, and Naruto’s father, the Hokage of the village then sacrificed his life to save the village. Somehow the nine-tail fox got stuck in Naruto and now Naruto has to tame it too. The series won The Best Female Vocal Performance in an Anime Television Series and OVA in a Supporting Role for the BTVA Award in 2014.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man, a show that is currently accessible on JioTV in India, earned the Sugoi Japan Award and the Spanish Manga Barcelona Award in 2017. Saitama, the protagonist of One Punch Man, only needs one punch to defeat any villain. He battles the enemies well and is funny while being strong. He eventually grows weary of his simple successes, yearns for more life’s adventures, and teams up with his protege Genos to annihilate monsters. It has gained enormous popularity among young viewers because of its humorous elements.
Kuroko’s Basketball
While most think of anime as shows meant for children, there are innovative themes that grab the attention of adults as well. This show is based on a sports manga that has been written and illustrated by Tadatoshi and Fujimaki. The series won the Tokyo Anime Award in 2013. It traces the life of middle school basketball enthusiasts who go on to make their own teams in high school. The winner gets a place in the national tournament so all of them give their all to it.
Lupin The 3rd
This one is for all those who enjoy action, mystery, adventure and heist as a genre. It is set in the late 1960s and follows the life of a gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin III. His travels to Paris and Brazil with his crew to find a treasure that his grandfather was unable to find leads him on to a path where the end could mean glory or jail. Watch the story unfold and enjoy the roller coaster ride.
Mumbai: Get ready for a sizzling summer of entertainment as CBeebies brings a sensational line-up of shows this summer! With a delightful mix of adventure, friendship, and fun, our selection of top-notch content is sure to keep your little ones engaged and entertained every day all month long. Say goodbye to boredom, and hello to a world of imagination and excitement!
First up, dive into the wacky world of Supertato, where good battles evil among the aisles of a local supermarket. Get ready for side-splitting laughter as the world’s greatest potato superhero takes on villains in this hilarious animated series that’s available in India for the first time ever.
If your kids love cuddly canines, they’re sure to adore Bluey, the energetic six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy. Children and parents alike from all over the world have been falling in love with this family programme for their beautiful family values and the love shown between the characters on the show. Together with her family, Bluey teaches children about life’s little joys and challenges, as they embark on unforgettable adventures that keep viewers hooked.
Join Duggee and his band of adorable pre-schoolers in Hey Duggee. This delightful show, featuring the lovable dog Duggee and his preschool pals, is the perfect combination of entertainment, education, and adventure that your kids will adore. Hey, Duggee also teaches valuable social skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy. Through the lovable antics of Duggee and his friends, kids will learn the importance of working together, understanding each other’s feelings, and celebrating their achievements.
Next, chug along with Thomas & Friends as they embark on exciting escapades on the picturesque island of Sodor. Join Thomas the Tank Engine and his lovable locomotive friends, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, and Toby, as they ride along the charming island of Sodor, weaving tales of camaraderie and discovery that are perfect for the little ones. Each thrilling episode combines fun-filled adventures with invaluable learning opportunities, teaching kids the importance of teamwork, determination, and kindness. With Thomas and his friends by their side, children will embark on a delightful journey filled with laughter, excitement, and heart-warming moments that are sure to make this summer an unforgettable one.
Then, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the Go Jetters, an action-packed show that takes kids on a thrilling ride around the world. Meet Xuli, Kyan, Lars, Foz, and their disco-dancing unicorn mentor, Ubercorn, as they work together to save the world’s most famous landmarks from the mischievous Grandmaster Glitch.
Don’t miss out on this incredible line-up of shows on CBeebies throughout May, with plenty more edutaining shows. So, gear up for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, laughter, and learning, and embark on a journey with your favourite characters.
With CBeebies by your side, this summer will be unforgettable as the fun is just getting started. Are you ready?
Mumbai: Streets are decked with garlands and kindled lamps, as a grand laddoo bash arrives from Dholakpur with POGO! India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel, POGO, is all set to celebrate the 15-year milestone of India’s most popular animated superhero Chhota Bheem. As part of the month-long anniversary campaign, POGO will bring the exciting adventures of India’s beloved cartoon character “Chhota Bheem” in various avatars for its fans across India with new Big Picture and series, movie premieres, digital initiatives as well as on-ground birthday celebrations.
“We are thrilled to be the pioneers in kids’ entertainment, Indian original content and cherish this 15-year long partnership which brought Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Raju and many adorable characters and their adventures to the homes of millions of kids across India, setting new benchmarks for India’s animation industry,” said Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia head – kids cluster Uttam Pal Singh. “To celebrate the 15-year milestone, we are delighted to debut the globally successful series Mighty Little Bheem for the first time on Indian Television. This delectable adventure comedy series and our Chhota Bheem Big Pictures and movies will continue to engage audiences across the country”, he added.
Celebrating the milestone, Green Gold Animation founder & CEO and creator of Chhota Bheem Rajiv Chilaka shared, “For 15 years, kids and families across the world have connected with the fascinating tales and globe-trotting adventures of Bheem and his friends, representing Indian culture. With POGO, Chhota Bheem became a cultural phenomenon transcending generations and borders, furthering India’s burgeoning animation industry. We are thrilled to further our partnership with POGO and excited for the channel’s audience to experience Bheem’s newest avtaar – Mighty Little Bheem for the first time.”
Kickstarting the on-air celebrations, POGO will invite kids to witness Chhota Bheem’s triumph over Mahavinashi in a special blockbuster telefeature, “Mahavinashi ka Badla” on Sunday, 30 April at 11.30 AM. Additionally, starting 30 April at 9.30 AM, POGO will invite fans to enjoy the premier of globally successful series “Mighty Little Bheem” as he travels through his city on epic adventures, often in search of ladoo, every Monday to Friday. That’s not all! Throughout May, audiences will get to enjoy the might of their favourite superhero, starting with the movie premiere of “Yamlok Ki Khoj” on Monday, 1 May at 11.30 AM and the brand-new Big Picture where Chhota Bheem faces another Big Villain, “Damyan ki Dehshat” beginning 7 May every Sunday at 11.30 AM and thereafter every Sunday.
The channel’s milestone celebration campaign, co-powered by Kellogs, Mother Dairy, Sunfeast Bounce Biscuit and Fresca, along with Associate sponsors Glucon D and Godrej Magic Handwash, will bring POGO and Chhota Bheem where fans are. Along with Little Singham, Chhota Bheem will visit its fans at leading malls across Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Mangalore. Along with a big three-tier laddoo cake cutting, this campaign will include engaging challenges, live performances, and games for parents and kids around Bheem’s favourite food, ‘Laddoos’, with exciting prizes!
POGO will also commemorate 15 golden years of the path-breaking animated superhero Chhota Bheem across its social media handles. Throughout summer, with #HBDBheem and #LaddooGames series on Instagram, POGO will invite fans to chant and dance to the ‘Laddoo Khake Bolo Happy Birthday Bheem’ song and participate in exciting games such as Treasure Hunt, Pictionary and many more for memorable gifts.
The excitement is palpable! POGO invites fans to celebrate the extravagant birthday of laddoo ka shaukeen, Chhota Bheem, as it continues to engage kids on-air with exciting shows and new episodes.
Mumbai: The Nickelodeon franchise takes pride in leading the kids’ entertainment category as the most preferred and No. 1 kids’ entertainment destination in India for four consecutive years.
Nick has successfully identified white spaces with a robust content library of genre-defining IPs & innovations and has propelled the kids’ category with indigenous stories that are a product of insights, creative storytelling and great animation. Further strengthening its content game and enticing kids this summer, the kids’ franchise gears up to announce the launch of two new IPs, ‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’ starting 24 April 2023 from Monday to Friday at 12 noon on Nick and ‘Kanha – Morpankh Samrat’ starting end of May on Sonic.
‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’, the only alien show in the kids’ category, is a sci-fi comedy series based around the alien Abhimanyu and his team of three, who embark on a mission to learn about the unique cultures and ways of life on Earth. In the series, the alien team faces troubles as they try to blend in with humans in their human form, make friends, hide their identity, and overcome adverse situations and threats. ‘Kanha – Morpankh Samrat’ on the other hand is a captivating mythological series that chronicles the adventures of young Krishna and his famous tales, showcasing his journey as a son, warrior, hero, friend, and brings alive his playful and mischievous antics.
On the sidelines of the launch, Indiantelevision.com caught up with Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18 on the launch of two diverse shows, the reach of the channel and the marketing initiatives for these shows…
On the two new shows, one brings an alien into the viewer’s life and the other the traditional mythology of Krishna
A major reason that the show will succeed is because of the curiosity it plays on the mind of a child. Everyone is curious about aliens and a character like this was never envisioned before. We have drawn a parallel to what we did the last time around with Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus, a story about a ghost. Some things never change and they’re evergreen. So when a story comes up with a character which the kids have never seen before it forms a curiosity in their minds.
We have deliberately avoided showing anything already seen because the aliens in Abhimanyu’s family are so distinct from one another. Most times aliens are depicted with big skull heads and thin bodies. We didn’t want to take that route; we want to make and give kids this particular design that has the ability to move; and has tentacles. The only way to describe this character is pure fantasy
On being number one for nine years now, what has been the strategy and the USP for this channel to maintain this position for so long?
First and foremost, it is about the width and depth. It’s not just about creating IP after IP, we’ve gone into depth. For example, even though Motu Patlu is ten years old, there have been 500 stories told of the same character. So, it’s also about the character’s depth. Another 50 new stories will be told this year and you’ll find the stories relevant. We have them going to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and even save the environment and the forests. We are writing stories that are relatable today.
Our IPs are like chalk and cheese. One is a musician, an action hero, a ghost, and the new one is an alien. There are many varieties of stories to choose from. Every character will have at least 30 to 50 stories every year and every character will have a new story in one or two months. So, the channel is constantly refreshed with new stories, characters and new premieres. We premier a new movie every quarter and the movie insight is very different.
An episode where Motu Patlu goes on a mission to the moon. The characters have been created in such a way that they can form a very intrinsic bond with the child. That bond created is like a best friend, role model, warrior, and saviour. Come to Pinaki, he will solve your problem. A connection and bond have already been made, and we are now taking that involvement through our brand exercise of engagement.
It is very important for a character to come out of the TV into their life and space. It’s fun for kids, especially, to play with characters such as “Run Abhimanyu Run” where suddenly the character is out of the TV set. There are consumer products like Water bottles and T-shirts too. We have our characters on a Yellow Diamond pack and Motu Patlu on Colgate and this is a complete touch and feel as well.
On the reach and YoY growth and the market share
Our reach for Nick and Sonic is the largest in the kid’s category and has grown to 29 million and 24 million respectively, the highest because the sample sizes have also increased to 204 million. We’ve clocked the highest unique reach and the highest reach in the category as well with 44 million.
We are 31 per cent on viewership and 36 per cent on revenue share. We are by far number one.
On the FCT being constant at 4 per cent even after it saw a huge drop
We have experienced a 3% growth in our viewership, while the total TV viewership has dropped by 4%. This decline may be due to people preferring to watch content at their convenience. Advertisers have also found different ways to reach the same audience beyond TV. With the rise of digital media, advertisers can use different touchpoints. For instance, we have created a song with Rohit Shetty that plays at the Mumbai Metro stations.
We have become more innovative in how we connect with our audience and create awareness. However, our marketing budget remains the same, and we have to divide it among more touch points. This means that each touch point gets a smaller share, resulting in a decrease in TV FCT. Something has to give way, and this is an example of how we are adjusting to the changing landscape.
Kids have remained where they are and are very vocal about their choices. If parents want to go on vacation or go out to eat, they have to ask their kids first and it’s no longer an easy conversation. We have in fact had some non-kid advertising brands such as Colgate, Reckitt, and Godrej, but are with us to advertise their brand because of the co-viewership on the channel.
On advertiser interest in these two shows
The kid’s genre is marketed differently from a GEC show. Particularly at this point, kids watch these shows because they want that full extravagant summer and they’re not going to attach themselves to a particular slot or show, but come on the channel on a time band for the next 60 days. Nick has new stories, new movies, and new shows, so kids will come for the summer and it has always been the same.
We have never sold shows, except for movies. Advertisers come to us depending on the brand they have. We have a Motu Patlu, a Chikoo aur Bunty and a Rudra who’s delivered the same ratings. So, this way advertisers choose based on a show and it is very effective. It also depends on what the brand wants.
On Kanha being on the network
Kanha is an evergreen topic in animation, but we have not seen this avatar and this age group of Krishna and therefore we are telling authentic stories to these kids through Kanha. There is a reverse co-viewing on all platforms. While kids are watching, parents are also watching with them. On GEC when parents are watching, kids are watching. This is Krishna’s story, and every episode will be one little story out of the many stories. We have a feeling that families will love to watch it together. With this, there will be no passive viewers. This is the kind of story that always helps us as a brand from a gatekeeper and a monetisation perspective.
On the challenges associated with keeping kids entertained
Once a bond and relationship are established, habits start to build. Nickelodeon has a certain sense of comfort with children that they are looking for. Nickelodeon provides comfort and because of that comfort zone and habit, kids come back to us all the time. Over the years, they’ve figured out that there is one character always available to them. They are aware of the channel number and show time and they can also watch it on Voot Kids or online, anytime and anywhere.
On the marketing touch points for these two shows
We are looking at television and mass media, and kids are watching things that go beyond the kids’ genre as well. So, GEC, movies, music, our own network channels, all of this will get utilized. In most theatres, for Salman Khan’s upcoming films, the first four seats are going to be reserved for Abhimanyu and his family as kids love him. We will be on DTH, cable, connected TV, etc. For the lower tier, we have van activations. We will be in Malls, and on social media too.
On other activities to engage with kids other than television
A lot of it is on digital and their ability to play. We have over 500 games out there for kids to play across characters. These games are on our website, on mobile and soon on Connected TV. The easiest way to engage right now is digitally through games, short form or long form. We have dance challenges because kids are so keen to replicate the hook steps that they revert back to us with their dance videos.
So, it’s about creating these small challenges where they are watching and winning. We launched a summer campaign where a smartphone was won every day. Kids had to engage with us by giving us a missed call and they could win a smartphone. So, it’s about taking that engagement outside of just the show. You have to be on platforms that have far more reach and that is why the games, reels, short video formats, and watch & wins.
On screen time for a child is a debatable issue.
We have been in the television industry for a long time. The kid’s genre holds a six per cent share of total TV viewership. This is because kids have control of the remote and they will choose to watch what they want. Despite the increasing options and fragmentation in the industry, kids still know that Nickelodeon provides tailor-made content for them. They are active viewers who engage with the content.
On language dubs increasing the reach as the affinity to language is far more and garners more eyeballs
Having shows dubbed in your local language creates a closer connection with the brand and its characters. In the Southern region of India, we have a large following and therefore, it is crucial to get the dubbing right and capture the appropriate nuances.
On the campaign and the music ‘Do the Nick Nick’
The campaign ‘#DoTheNickNick’ features India’s favourite Nicktoons, celebrates kids and encourages kids with a positive and exciting outlook. It is written by Gulzar and sung by Armaan Malik, the anthem opens with the brand’s promise of ‘Nick for Kids, Kids for Nick’. We entertain, engage, and empathize with our young audiences through the highs and lows in new and innovative ways. We reiterate our promise to our viewers of bringing the best stories and characters. Our anthem champions exactly what Nickelodeon stands for.
Mumbai: Successfully identifying white spaces with a robust content library of genre-defining IPs & innovations, the Nickelodeon franchise takes pride in leading the kids’ entertainment category as the most preferred and No. 1 kids’ entertainment destination in India for 4 consecutive years. In a spirit to deepen engagement and connect, the pioneering kids’ network continues to rule the roost with Nick and Sonic delivering the highest reach in the kid’s category with over 29 million and 24 million in FY22-23, respectively.
In a constant endeavour to propel the kids’ category with indigenous stories that are a product of insights, creative storytelling, great animation and endearing Nicktoons such as Chikoo aur Bunty, Happy & Pinaki – The Bhoot Bandhus, Motu Patlu, Shiva, and Rudra, Nickelodeon enjoys a cumulative network share of 31 per cent within the genre with Nick leading the category for nine consecutive years. Further strengthening its content game and enticing kids this summer, the kids’ franchise gears up to announce the launch of two new IPs, ‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’ starting 24 April 2023 from Monday to Friday at 12 noon on Nick and ‘Kanha – Morpankh Samrat’ starting end of May on Sonic.
‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’, the only alien show in the kids’ category, is a sci-fi comedy series based around the alien Abhimanyu and his team of three, who embark on a mission to learn about the unique cultures and ways of life on Earth. In the series, the alien team faces troubles as they try to blend in with humans in their human form, make friends, hide their identity, and overcome adverse situations and threats. ‘Kanha – Morpankh Samrat’ on the other hand is a captivating mythological series that chronicles the adventures of young Krishna and his famous tales, showcasing his journey as a son, warrior, hero, friend, and brings alive his playful and mischievous antics.
Speaking on bolstering its IP play, Viacom18 head Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “At Nickelodeon, our understanding of kids and the whitespaces in the industry has led us to define the category and fuel its growth. As a responsible storyteller, it has always been our endeavour to deliver category-defining content that sparks imaginations, while being equally sensitive to the needs of our audience. We take pride in being home to characters and IPs that have created an everlasting bond with our discerning young viewers and driven preference to the channel, making us advertisers’ favourite. Over the last decade, our long-standing leadership is a testament to Nickelodeon’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality content that resonates with young audiences.”
Viacom18 Head – creative content & research, Kids TV Network further Anu Sikka added, “At Nickelodeon we have always crafted stories with love; Both the shows, Abhimanyu ki Alien Family’ and Kanha – Morpankh Samrat are centered around characters that have their own individualities, making them extremely endearing and relatable. Moreover, they tap into genres that will surely get kids excited, leaving them wanting for more. We are certain both IPs will offer our viewers unmatched entertainment this summer season.”
Hi-Tech Animations Studios CEO Ashish J Thapar said, “Our partnership with Nickelodeon is filled with creative innovation. We have always looked for new avenues to create and bring to life characters that kids can resonate with, and grow up with, while the character and storytelling evolves. With Abhimanyu ki Alien Family, India gets its very first, homegrown sci-fi kids show. The show allows us to tap into a new genre and drive excitement and interest within kids. Each character is carefully designed to be extremely relatable and amiable. We are confident about the success of a concept that is new-age, and one that delivers an experience that is new to the kids’ category in India.”
Kickstarting with ‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’ marketing, the campaign will see unique and creative promotions across platforms. From in-cinema advertising to rolling out ads on Connected TVs, the channel will ensure deeper engagement. In addition to this, the channel will also organize screenings and van activations in key metros to create maximum excitement. Pulling out all stops for the launch will be a robust multi-screen and multi-touchpoint marketing plan across the network strength that is sure to draw equal attention from brands as well as kids. While popular influencers will drive interactivity, dance challenges, Nickelodeon will introduce characters along with the show themed games on websites, Instagram, JioTV STB & Smartphones. Taking the overall marketing initiative, a step forward, Nickelodeon will partner with various high street F&B brands with exciting combos for kids.
Mumbai: The wait is over for all Super Saiyan fans! Cartoon Network has premiered the most awaited ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’, a series of the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise produced by Toei Animation, for the first time in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The channel has brought the action-packed saga of Goku, his friends and his family designed with an epic and stylised approach to storytelling. Starting 16 April from 1 PM onwards, every Sunday will be a ‘Super Sunday’ with fans witnessing the extravagance and daring thrills as Goku defends the Earth from aliens.
The remastered tale of Goku, the mighty warrior and his allies defending the planet against an assortment of villains brings back the action-packed storyline, colourful characters, and exciting scenes! The world is at peace until one day, Goku’s son, Gohan, falls into a deep ravine putting his life in danger. On this adventure to save his son’s life, Goku will take fans to another planet to obtain the mystical Dragon Balls. As Goku and his friends continue their battle with the fearsome Saiyan race, they will encounter bizarre, comical, heart-warming, and threatening characters that fans would not want to miss out on!
Talking about the show’s premiere, Warner Bros. Discovery head of kids cluster, South Asia Uttam Pal Singh said, “After the spectacular success of ‘Dragon Ball Super’ and ‘Digimon Adventure:’, and a great response from the audience, we are ready to cheer Otaku fans with another anime phenomenon, ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’. The power-packed series will surely add excitement and thrill to the summer season for our audience with its engaging storyline, high-energy dubs, vibrant animation, and relatable characters. Moreover, apart from expanding our anime line-up, we are pleased to invite more fans to join the Cartoon Network community with the ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’ premiere in five local languages, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.”
Popular voiceover artists are voicing the main characters for the show in Hindi. Ankur Javeri for Goku, Prasad Barve for Vegeta, Shailendra Pandey for Piccolo, Neshma for Chichi, Mayur Vyas for Krillin, Mani Puhan for Bulma and Shruti Sinha for Gohan.
Fans will have several exciting opportunities to celebrate Goku’s new journey through Cartoon Network’s social media channels. Beginning Sunday, 16 April, Otaku community will get to participate in a ‘Watch and Win’ trivia contest for special rewards. Additionally, as part of the premiere campaign, Dragon Ball fandom will get to showcase their love for Goku’s world and relatable storytelling format with a ‘selfie contest’ and win memorable Dragon Ball figurines.
The adventure continues with the iconic series ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’ only on Cartoon Network starting 16 April from 1 pm onwards and thereafter every Super Sunday.
Mumbai: India’s kids’ entertainment brand – Sony YAY! is all set to become the Party Head Quarter, to house this year’s biggest summer party. As the Party HQ, Sony YAY! is pulling out all the stops to bring kids an unforgettable experience that will leave them absolutely buzzing with excitement and beat the heat of boredom this summer.
Sony YAY! has curated an exciting party line-up on television with latest episodes of animated shows such as Oggy and the cockroaches – Next Gen, which will include new adventures of kids’ beloved toon Oggy with his friend Pia; Nonstop movie marathon – Honey Bunny Houseful Hits featuring kids’ favourite and beloved cat-duo and their hilarious shenanigans, new rib tickling and fun antics of Obocchama Kun, four consecutive seasons of the world’s biggest anime title on popular demand, Naruto, along with many more launches. The channel has got all the party essentials covered that include these fresh new content drops, a never seen before exciting second screen experience, digital and on ground engagements, that will be spread across the length and breadth of the country.
The biggest summer party can only be helmed by the best; and keeping this in mind, the channel has onboarded Raghav Juyal, as the Party Captain to bring the party alive across all platforms. The multi-talented actor, known to bring the house down with his impeccable comic timing, child-like demeanour, and signature dance moves, will also be joined by child actor, Ashwanth AshokKumar who featured in Tamil movie – Super Deluxe. Both the artists will co-host the biggest party and make Sony YAY! the ultimate summer destination for kids.
Sony YAY! OAP head & marketing communications Sujoy Roy Bardhan said, “Summer holidays are the most eagerly awaited time for kids; and what better way to elevate this experience than by transforming Sony YAY! into the ultimate Party HQ for kids. Staying true to our promise of curating a #Happyverse for kids that celebrate their authentic selves, the channel is all set to bring this non stop party for kids with their favourite toons. We are ecstatic to onboard Raghav Juyal to steer the ship as the party’s captain along with Ashwanth AshokKumar as his partner to make Party HQ our biggest campaign of the year!”
Mumbai: Inspire Films, an Indian production house, has collaborated with Lotpot Comics to produce live action series of popular characters like Motu Patlu, Sheikh Chilli, Sampat Champat, Kaka Shree and Natkhat Neetu for television as well as OTT. After successful launch of web series Dear Ishq on Hotstar, Tu Zakhm Hai Season 2 on MX Player and television shows Tere Ishq Main Ghayal on Colors and Baazi Ishq Ki on Dangal, Inspire Films will venture in to light hearted family comedy genre with the comics franchises of Lotpot.
Speaking about the association, Inspire Films founder and managing director Yash Patnaik said, “Lotpot Comics is one of the most popular comics brands of India. Since 1969 Lotpot has been entertaining generations of Indians with their popular characters like Motu Patlu, Sheikh Chilli, Sampat Chapmat, Kaka Shree and Natkhat Neetu. As an animated series Motu Patlu has been ruling the charts for the last 11 years. We are excited to partner with Mr PK Bajaj , editor and Mr Aman Bajaj , publisher of Lotpot Comics to bring these lovable characters in live action for television and OTT. I am sure the audience which have grown up reading Lotpot comics and watching them as animation series will continue their relation with the characters in live action form.”
Lotpot Comics editor PK Bajaj said, “Inspire films is a leading name in content creations in India. They have been creating and producing popular content across television and OTT for two decades. I am glad we are collaborating with a production house of their stature and experience to produce Lotpot characters in live action. We are looking forward to seeing our Motu, Patlu and other popular characters come alive in flesh and blood and reach millions. Motu Patlu has been number one kids 3D animation show in India and After comics and animation we are all set to take the characters to live action which is the first in India for any comics characters. We are extremely happy to collaborate with master storytellers like Mr Yash Patnaik and Ms Mamta Patnaik of Inspire Films to produce Lotpot characters in live action.”
Lotpot is a bilingual comic magazine published by Mayapuri Group. Created by late A.P Bajaj, Lotpot was first published in 1969, issue came out in the same year and has been published without a break since then. Popular characters of Lotpot Comics “Motu Patlu” have a 3D animated show successfully running since the last 11 years on Nickelodeon India TV Channel and still continues entertaining kids with its rib tickling content. Motu Patlu is the only Indian Kids Character whose wax statues are placed at Madame Tussauds, India. Lotpot has been entertaining the readers and audiences for more than five decades (55 years) and still running high.
Inspire Films is a subsidiary of Beyond Dreams Entertainment. Founded in 2007, the company has produced over 10,000 hours of content (45 originals) for Indian OTT platforms and broadcasters like Hotstar, MX Player, Voot Select, Sony LIV, Star Plus, Colors, Sony Entertainment Television, Zee TV, Channel V, Dangal, Pogo, Disney, Star Pravah, Sun TV, Surya TV and others. Some of the popular series created and produced by the company are – Dear Ishq, Ishq Main Ghaayal, Tu Zakhm Hai, Ishq Ki Bazzi, Rakshabandhan, Ek Veer Ki Ardaas Veera, Sadda Haq (Season 1 & 2), Kuchh Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (Season 1, 2 & 3), Ishq Main Marjawan (Season 1& 2), Jana Na Dil Se Door, Twistwala Love, Secret Diaries, Teri Meri Love Stories, Rakshabandhan, Naagarjun Ek Yoddha, Main Na Bhulungi, Million Dollar Girl, Rang Badalti Odhani (Season 1 & 2), Cambala Investigation Agency (CIA), Black Coffee (web series), Chocolate (Tamil), Chocolate (Malayalam) and Vachana Dile Tu Mala (Marathi).
Mumbai: Self-love is an invaluable skill for kids to learn. In light of this, kids’ entertainment franchise Nickelodeon in association with Orchids The International School, hosted an engaging forum with industry honchos on how understanding the importance of being #OneOfAKind from a young age is of primal importance. The discussion further emphasized that being comfortable in one’s own skin can encourage young minds to celebrate their individuality, and challenge societal norms and conventions in the long run.
The panel discussion titled ‘I am #OneOfAKind: Nurturing Self-Love in Children’ was graced by Neha Dhupia – actor and mother, Podar Education Network and Early Childhood Association of India president Dr. Swati Popat Vats, self-love coach & founder of ‘I am Enough’ society Dr. Bharti Rakheja, and Orchids The International School HOD, special needs and counselling department Archana Rushal Padhye. The panel further discussed and defined the roles of family, schools, and communities in helping kids embrace their unique qualities.
Opening the discussion, Neha Dhupia said, “In today’s society, children are exposed to an increasing amount of pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. From a young age, they are bombarded with messages about how they should look, act, and behave. As parents, we have the power to help our kids to overcome these societal pressures by leading by example. By embracing our own individuality and practicing self-love, we can show our children that it’s okay to be different and encourage them to do the same.”
Speaking on the role of schools and educators helping kids embrace their unique qualities, Dr. Swati Popat Vats said, “I am thrilled to be part of the #OneOfAKind panel that recognizes the importance of celebrating individuality in children. Every child is unique and deserves to be celebrated for who they are. It is the role of schools and teachers to foster a culture of individuality and self-love, empowering children to embrace their strengths and differences, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. By working together as educators, we can create a supportive environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue their dreams.”
Dr. Bharti Rakheja felt that every child deserves to know their worth and celebrate their uniqueness. “Being a self-love coach, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of self-love in people’s lives. By teaching kids to love them unconditionally, we can inspire a generation of confident, resilient individuals who are equipped to navigate life’s challenges with grace and authenticity. It’s wonderful to see a brand that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of its young viewers,” Rakheja concluded.
Commenting on the collaboration with Nickelodeon, Orchids The International School, Malad West Principal Jayashri Bhake said, “At our schools, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and respected. It is great to see Nickelodeon taking a proactive approach in engaging with kids and establishing a warm connection with them beyond entertainment and setting an example for other organizations to follow. We are honoured to join hands with Nickelodeon to host this engaging discussion on being #OneOfAKind and contribute to this meaningful cause. We believe that this collaboration will bring positive change in our school community and beyond.”
The panel discussion was a part of Nickelodeon’s ongoing pro-socio initiative “Together for Good” that aims to inspire self-acceptance and self-love amongst kids and will help them in developing a strong sense of a positive self-image. The discussion, held at Orchids The International School – Malad West branch, was a huge success, attracting a diverse audience of over 200 participants, including parents, educators, social media influencers, and children.
Mumbai: The popular franchise Baalveer will be returning on Sony SAB. See the ultimate demise and victorious return of India’s most popular superhero as he struggles to recover his identity while maintaining his unyielding resolve and strong devotion to protecting his loved ones.
In a brand-new season that promises more action and drama than ever before, Dev Joshi will reprise his role as the enduring figure. Aditi Sanwal will co-star with Dev Joshi in the show’s lead role. Sony SAB is delighted to bring back this fan-favorite series with a focus on family-friendly programming that appeals to fans of all ages.
The new Baalveer will astound spectators with its captivating storyline, amazing settings, and superb performances thanks to its top-notch visual effects and impressive stunt work.
The newest season of the programme centres on the 24-year-old superhero Baalveer and differs from the earlier ones in that it depicts Baalveer’s personal journey as well as his ups and downs. Baalveer loses his memories and powers in this season. The season is focused on Baalveer’s quest to restore his identity because he is made to lead a regular life as “Veer” and forced to do so.
Follow Baalveer on his journey as he once more proves to be the greatest hero. Fans of all ages should not miss the resurrection of Baalveer, which features double the action and equally suspenseful drama.
Speaking about the launch of Baalveer, Sony SAB, PAL and Sony MAX Movies Cluster Business Head Neeraj Vyas said
“Baalveer is a franchise that has won the hearts of the viewers consistently, and we are thrilled to bring back this beloved series with a new season given a resounding viewer demand. One of the most successful superhero series on television, the show appeals to viewers of all ages and continues to further our passion for delivering great storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on the audiences.”
Dev Joshi on reprising his role as Baalveer once again, said “Playing Baalveer has been a life-changing experience for me. It’s an honor to bring such an iconic character to life and connect with young viewers in a meaningful way. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for the show’s highly-anticipated comeback, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. Baalveer’s character is more than just a superhero, he represents the qualities we should all strive to embody such as courage, kindness, and selflessness. Sony SAB has always focused on telling interesting stories and has always brought something new and exciting for its viewers. Baalveer is definitely one such show which has been ruling the hearts of many. I am grateful that on public demand Sony SAB is bringing back this phenomenal show, which has been loved by the millions of viewers across all ages.”