Tag: Green Gold Animation

  • Gold and Frameboxx draw up a new script for animation education

    Gold and Frameboxx draw up a new script for animation education

    MUMBAI: When academia meets animation, the result is pure motion magic. India’s pioneering animation studio Green Gold Animation pvt. ltd., the creative powerhouse behind some of the country’s most beloved animated universes, has teamed up with Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects pvt. ltd., one of India’s top training institutes, to script a new chapter in animation education.

    The two industry leaders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce an Industry Embedded Degree Programme in Animation and VFX, a first-of-its-kind initiative that fuses classroom learning with real-world studio experience. The MoU was signed by Sitarama Rajiv Chilakalapudi, founder and managing director of Green Gold Animation, and Rajesh Ramesh Turakhia, founder and managing director of Frameboxx.

    Under the partnership, Green Gold’s senior Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will deliver 150 hours of in-class, hands-on training across three years, ensuring students learn not just the theory but the thrill of production itself. These will be live, interactive sessions with Green Gold’s artists and mentors people who’ve turned sketches into global success stories.

    Students will also work on live production projects during their final year, gaining direct exposure to industry workflows, pipelines, and creative challenges. The result: graduates who don’t just dream in animation, but think, design, and deliver like studio professionals from day one.

    “India’s animation industry is expanding rapidly, driven by global demand for quality content and the explosion of digital platforms,” said Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka. “Yet, there’s a widening gap between what’s taught in classrooms and what studios need. Through this collaboration with Frameboxx, our goal is to bridge that gap by embedding real production expertise into academic learning. We want students to experience the pulse of a professional studio and understand how global projects are executed from concept to credits.”

    He added that this collaboration could help India emerge not just as a major consumer of animation content but as a consistent exporter of world-class animation talent.

    Echoing the sentiment Frameboxx founder and managing director Rajesh Ramesh Turakhia said, “This partnership marks a milestone in academic-industry collaboration. Students will benefit from live projects, masterclasses, workshops, and project reviews by Green Gold’s experts across Frameboxx centres nationwide. Together, we’re offering a learning experience that’s as real as it gets.”

    The programme will award a joint certification from Green Gold and Frameboxx, in addition to the degree from the affiliated university. Students will have access to cutting-edge technology, structured mentorship, and a well-defined career pathway that aligns with global production standards.

    Beyond academic reform, the alliance signals a shared mission to nurture India’s next generation of animators and visual storytellers. For Green Gold, it reinforces its role not just as a studio but as a mentor for the creative economy. For Frameboxx, it deepens its reputation as a bridge between education and employability.

    As the animation industry evolves from art to asset class, this partnership gives India’s young dreamers the tools to not only sketch their ideas but also shape their futures. After all, when the worlds of imagination and education collide the credits don’t roll, they begin.
     

  • Chhota Bheem leaps from screen to snack bar

    Chhota Bheem leaps from screen to snack bar

    HYDERABAD: India’s most popular animated character is hoping to strike gold by jumping off the telly and into the kitchen. Green Gold Animation, creator of Chhota Bheem, has partnered with EBG Group to launch India’s first Chhota Bheem-themed cafes—a Rs 200 crore bet that children’s entertainment can translate into family dining gold.

    The first two outlets will open in Hyderabad’s Hitech City by December 2025, with an ambitious rollout of 50 cafes planned for 2026 and 300 across India thereafter. The venture could eventually expand globally, say the partners.

    The cafes will come in two formats: a compact 25 x 40 ft express model and a larger 50 x 40 ft full-scale version. Franchise partners will stump up the capital whilst EBG manages operations, branding and training under a company-owned, company-operated model. The expansion is expected to create over 250 jobs, from chefs to merchandising staff.

    Far from being mere eateries, these venues promise interactive play zones, storytelling corners, licensed merchandise and activities featuring Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Mighty Raju and other characters from Green Gold’s stable. The aim is to create what the partners call a “360-degree family entertainment ecosystem” where dining meets play.

    Green Gold Animation  founder & chief executive Rajiv Chilaka  said: “Over the last 17 years, Chhota Bheem has grown beyond being just an animated character to becoming a cultural phenomenon loved by millions of children and families across India and beyond. This partnership allows us to extend this universe into a unique, real-world experience.”

    Added EBG group founder & chief executive Irfan Khan:  “This is not just about food, but about creating joyful experiences that families will cherish.”

    Green Gold Animation, founded in 2001, has produced over 30,000 minutes of content across television, film and digital platforms. Its shows reach viewers in more than 100 countries through partnerships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros Discovery. EBG Group is a multi-sector conglomerate spanning mobility, health, property, lifestyle, food, services, technology and education.

  • Chhota Bheem maker calls on fresh voices to script big kids’ adventures

    Chhota Bheem maker calls on fresh voices to script big kids’ adventures

    MUMBAI: Move over capes and crowns, the new heroes of kids’ TV might just be holding pens, not swords. Green Gold Animation, the studio that gave India its most famous toon icon Chhota Bheem, has opened a nationwide hunt for aspiring writers to help script its next big animated adventure. The initiative, starting 1 September 2025, invites early-career writers from every corner of India students, aspiring screenwriters, and first-timers with a flair for children’s stories. Experience in animation isn’t a prerequisite; what matters most is an ear for how kids speak, laugh, and dream today.

    Selected participants will get paid collaborations with Green Gold’s development team, working hand-in-hand with writers, animators, producers, and directors. They’ll also receive mentorship from seasoned professionals inside the studio, an industry break that could see their words come to life on screen.

    “For nearly two decades, our characters have grown up with India’s children,” said Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka. “But kids’ stories evolve with every new generation. Today’s children are curious, expressive, and connected, and we want stories that reflect that shift. With this initiative, we’re opening the door to new voices who can make kids laugh, think, and see themselves on screen.”

    The contest will be conducted virtually, making it accessible to storytellers nationwide. Interested participants can write to careers@greengold.tv to register. Once signed up, they’ll receive a creative brief setting out the direction of the upcoming show.

    Green Gold, which has shaped India’s animation landscape with Chhota Bheem and a host of other beloved characters, is framing this as more than a talent drive, it’s about building a pipeline for inclusive, future-facing storytelling. For the next generation of creators, this could be the chance to script their own fairy-tale beginning.

  • Warner Bros Discovery celebrates World Animation Day

    Warner Bros Discovery celebrates World Animation Day

    Mumbai: This World Animation Day, Warner Bros Discovery’s kids’ entertainment channels—Cartoon Network, Pogo, and Discovery Kids—are highlighting India’s animation industry and the popularity of homegrown animated series, including ‘Chhota Bheem,’ ‘Bandbudh Aur Budbak,’ ‘Little Singham,’ and ‘Fukrey Boyzz.’

    During his 115th Mann Ki Baat address, prime minister Narendra Modi spotlighted Pogo’s ‘Chhota Bheem,’ created by Green Gold Animation. The prime minister stated, “You would remember those days when ‘Chhota Bheem’ began to air on TV. Children can never forget it; there was so much excitement about ‘Chhota Bheem.’ You will be amazed to know that today ‘Dholakpur’s drum’ is not only limited to India but also attracts children from other countries.”

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Pogo TV (@pogotvin)

    In response to the Prime Minister’s message, Warner Bros. Discovery supports India’s animation industry with investments in new homegrown shows and collaborations with Indian animation artists and studios such as Green Gold Animation, Reliance Animation, Ele Animations, and Toonz Media. A testament to Warner Bros Discovery and Pogo’s fan-first strategy is the popularity of its recent animated series, ‘Jay Jagannath.’

  • Axis Bank announces the winners of SPLASH

    Axis Bank announces the winners of SPLASH

    Mumbai: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, announced six national winners of SPLASH, an annual Pan-India competition on art, craft, and literature for children in the age group of 7-14 years. All six finalists will be felicitated with scholarships of Rs. 1 lakh each, exciting hampers, and electronic gadgets from partners such as Hamleys, Faber Castle, American Tourister and BoAt and the runners-up will be awarded Rs 50 thousand each.

    Winners under the age group of seven-ten years:

    1. Art: Shivash Soni from GDGPS, New Delhi 
    2. Craft: Yashvi Premkumar from Senthil Public School, Salem, Tamil Nadu
    3. Literature: Krithika Reddy from City International School Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra

    Winners under the age group of 11 – 14 years:

    1. Art: P. Akshitha from The Presidential School, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
    2. Craft: Devayudh Das from Delhi Public School, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal 
    3. Literature: Stuti Jain from D.A.V. Public School, Ludhiana, Punjab

    Marking a new milestone, the competition witnessed entries from over 6.8 lakh participants from all over the nation, which has increased by 36 per cent year on year. Through this initiative, the Bank has generated a cumulative reach of over 50 million by conducting the competition phygitally (both physically and digitally), ensuring that every child has an opportunity to showcase their talent.

    Speaking on the initiative, Axis Bank CMO Anoop Manohar said, “We would like to thank all the participants and congratulate the winners for their remarkable contribution in making this competition a huge success. We firmly believe that young minds hold the power to create, mould and change the world for a better tomorrow and we, at Axis Bank want to be part of this journey, in building a better community for our next generation. Through Splash, we endeavour to encourage young minds to express their ideas, thoughts, and views through creative medium such as arts, craft and literature and will continue to do so.”

    With an aim to instill the thought of kindness and foster a sense of goodwill amongst the new generation, Axis Bank reached out to over 1,900 plus schools and activated its 5000 plus branches. These participants were adjudged by jury panel comprising Vikrant Shitole, a revered artist from Art Society of India; Disha Katharani, co-founder of Imagimake; Savio Mascarenhas, group art director at Amar Chitra Katha; and Rajiv Chilaka, CEO of Green Gold Animation.

  • POGO India’s Chhota Bheem and Little Singham’s crossover ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ breaks records

    POGO India’s Chhota Bheem and Little Singham’s crossover ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ breaks records

    Mumbai: POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel, is kicking off 2024 with an exciting milestone for its flagship production Chhota Bheem and Little Singham’s debut crossover movie ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ that became the ‘No. 1 movie of 2023’. Leading the charts in kids’ entertainment, the epic showdown broke records with its exclusive premiere in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Marathi. The high-stakes saga pegged the dynamic duo against each other for the first time in television history, leaving the world’s fate in the balance.

    Celebrating the success of the movie, Uttam Pal Singh, Head of Kids Cluster – South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “2023 has been a landmark year for POGO and its culmination with an exhilarating milestone for us and our partners Green Gold Animation and Reliance Animation has set the stage for a successful 2024. We jointly brought together the mightiest heroes of kids’ entertainment – Chhota Bheem and Little Singham, in a historic cross-over adventure loved abundantly by the fans. With extraordinary teams and talents converging, the visionary concept resulted in the record-breaking viewership phenomenon of ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’.”

    “We’re thrilled by the success of our partnership with Green Gold Animation, Rohit Shetty Picturez, and POGO. We had aimed to create a never-seen-before event for our fans with ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ that captivates audiences of kids and families with its thrilling narrative, action sequences, and unexpected twists”. Reliance Animation’s CEO Tejonidhi Bhandare, expressed, “We hope to collaborate again in the future and replicate this success for our loyal fan base.”

    Green Gold Animation CEO & founder Rajiv Chilaka shared his excitement about movie’s success, stating, “‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ takes Chhota Bheem fans on a unique journey, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the world of Little Singham. The record-breaking love for this movie is a true testament for creative storytelling and Chhota Bheem’s expanding reach. We are excited to take this unique clash of Titans of the Toonworld forward and continue creating magic for our audience.”

  • POGO’s showdown: Little Singham vs. Chhota Bheem – ‘Aag Aur Paani Ki Takkar’

    POGO’s showdown: Little Singham vs. Chhota Bheem – ‘Aag Aur Paani Ki Takkar’

    Mumbai: Get ready for an electrifying television experience to welcome the new year! POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel is set to bring together two iconic forces, Little Singham and Chhota Bheem, together in the much-anticipated exclusive movie ‘Aag aur Paani ki Takkar’. Premiering on Sunday, December 31 at 1 pm in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Marathi, this blockbuster event promises an exhilarating adventure that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

    The gripping narrative unfolds when the iconic super villains from two universes, Kirmada and Kaal join forces and connive to set a clash between Firey Little Singham and Calm as water, but powerful Chhota Bheem which triggers a monumental chain reaction, plunging the two worlds into peril. The stakes escalate, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance, as the Supercop v/s Superhero face off sets for a clash of Titans of the Toonworld.

    Warner Bros. Discovery head of kids cluster – South Asia Uttam Pal Singh said, “As storytellers, we are thrilled to bring together two beloved icons, Little Singham and Chhota Bheem, in exhilarating crossover movies of the year ‘Aag aur Paani ki Takkar’. This movie is a coming together of best minds and artists from the world of animation with Reliance Animation, Rohit Shetty Picturez and Green Gold Animation along with POGO promising fans a never before experience fronted by iconic Titans of Toonworld and a historic event in the Kids genre.”

    This exclusive movie promises an immersive experience filled with suspense, action, and unanticipated plot twists that will captivate audiences of all ages.

    “We are incredibly happy to be collaborating with the might of the animation industry Green Gold Animation for the first time and are filled with pride to further our long-standing association with Warner Bros. Discovery for another exciting milestone in storytelling. This movie is a blend of thrill, unexpected events and the power of heroism. Integrating the two completely different universes has been a really exciting process of this association which will win the hearts of our young audiences across the country”, shared, Reliance Animation CEO Tejonidhi Bhandare.

    Talking about this epic crossover, Green Gold Animation and Creator of Chhota Bheem founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “We are extremely excited to take the fans of Chhota Bheem on a first-of-its-kind voyage showcasing the ultimate clash of the animated worlds of Little Singham and the characters of Dholakpur. These adored titans will be seen on the Indian television for the first-time providing fans with an experience full of suspense, action, and unexpected turns as they fight for their beliefs. With POGO and Reliance Animation, we are excited for the young fans to experience Bheem’s newest battle that will redefine sacrifice and heroism.”

    Stay tuned for this thrilling crossover event, ‘Aag aur Paani ki Takkar,’ premiering on Sunday, December 31 at 1 pm only on POGO.

    You can watch the promo of the new Maha Blockbuster Chhota Bheem VS Little Singham here

     

  • Axis Bank launches SPLASH, a pan-India competition

    Axis Bank launches SPLASH, a pan-India competition

    Mumbai: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, announced the launch of SPLASH, an annual Pan-India competition on art, craft, and literature for children in the age group of 7-14 years. This year, Splash will focus on the theme ‘Kindness’ to instil the thought of kindness and foster a sense of goodwill amongst the new generation. The participants can register and submit their entries on www.axisbanksplash.in, till 31 December 2023. Through this initiative, the Bank aims to reach out to over six lakh participants by conducting the competition phygitally (both physically and digitally), ensuring that every child has an opportunity to showcase their talent.

    The competition will be divided into two age groups: seven-ten years and 11-14 years. The participants will need to express their thoughts and ideas through two themes ‘Helping One Another’ and ‘Making the World a Kinder Place’. They can unleash their creativity through drawing, craft, or essay writing. The participants will be evaluated by an esteemed jury panel comprising Vikrant Shitole, a revered artist from Art Society of India; Imagimake co-founder Disha Katharani; Amar Chitra Katha Group art director Savio Mascarenhas; and Green Gold Animation CEO Rajiv Chilaka.

    Speaking on the initiative, Axis Bank CMO Anoop Manohar said, ”We are delighted to announce the 11th edition of Splash. This year’s theme of ‘Kindness’ stems from our brand philosophy ‘Open’- which aims to engage with communities beyond banking and business. Through Splash, we are providing a vibrant canvas for these young minds to explore, express and embrace the value of kindness in order to create a better tomorrow.”

    Scaling new heights, this year Axis Bank will reach out to over 2000 schools, 50 per cent more than the previous year. In addition to the competition, the Bank will organise engaging sessions and other fun-filled activities. It has roped in children’s beloved character ‘Chota Bheem’ to impart valuable life lessons on earning, saving, investing, and giving through the art of storytelling.  

    The winners will be conferred scholarships of Rs 1 lakh, exciting hampers, and electronic gadgets from partners such as Hamleys, Faber Castle and BoAt. They will also be given an opportunity to visit the National Institute of Design (NID) and participate in exciting workshops conducted by the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). The runners-up will be awarded Rs 50 thousand each.
     

  • Funskool acquires licence to manufacture Chhota Bheem

    Funskool acquires licence to manufacture Chhota Bheem

    Mumbai: Indian domestic toy manufacturer Funskool India has acquired the licence to manufacture and distribute the action figure Chhota Bheem and other seven characters from the famed cartoon animation series.

    Funskool has obtained the licence to launch the series of action figures from Green Gold Licensing & Merchandising India.

    Green Gold Animation, which creates original Indian animation content has over the years transcended and established itself in licensing and merchandising, movie production and distribution, digital business, retail stores and events.

    The parties state that this move proves that India is moving towards being “Atma Nirbhar” in manufacturing of quality toys. Funskool said that it has been leading the way in pro-actively and consciously choosing to promote the “Make-In-India” programme and the acquisition of Chhota Bheem & Friends has been a step in the right direction.

    Funskool India CEO R Jeswant said, “We are excited to add Chhota Bheem to our well established manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Our existing scale and distribution network establishes an ideal platform to achieve the full potential of Chhota Bheem in India and will address the significant unmet needs of the portfolio of products.”

    Green Gold Animation executive director & COO Samir Jain said, “When it comes to manufacturing high quality and toxin free toys for children, there is no substitute for Funskool in India. We are immensely pleased with licensing Funskool India with manufacturing and distributing Chhota Bheem and another seven action figures. With its expansive distribution network prowess, we are confident that Chhota Bheem Action figures will reach to every child in the country.”

  • Green Gold Animation announces animation series based on Leander Paes

    Green Gold Animation announces animation series based on Leander Paes

    Mumbai: Green Gold Animation – the studio behind “Chhota Bheem” – has signed tennis star Leander Paes for an animation series on his life story tentatively titled “Little Leander.”

    “This animated original will be based on Leander’s life, the challenges and his childhood experiences during his journey to becoming one of the greatest tennis stars and a global icon,” said the statement.

    Green Gold Animation is looking at creating the series in 3D/2D animation format.

    The tennis star has visited the studio’s facility in Hyderabad for multiple narration sessions and has been involved in the initial phase of visual development. “Little Leander” will not just focus on Paes’ life story, interesting incidents, and turning points but also use his childhood images for referencing and research work. The team will reach out to his family members, close friends, and associates as well to put together the background material, said the studio in a statement.

    “We are truly honoured to be able to collaborate with Leander Paes,” said Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka. “We are privileged every time we get to witness genius, in any field. Mr. Leander has given us many of those moments and still continues to inspire us off court. But genius is nurtured through the hardest of challenges. It’s not easy to be Leander Paes, but it’s not meant to be easy. What makes a champion?”

    Paes is one of the most successful players in tennis history with eight career Grand Slam doubles titles and ten career Grand Slam mixed doubles championships. He also holds many firsts in the world of tennis.

    “I’m thrilled for this show to be made because this in a way also becomes my legacy to stay. This is a very heart-warming opportunity because through this series I will be communicating with young minds and looking to inspire them towards positive development,” said the tennis star. “I met Rajiv multiple times to understand how the story will develop and his vision for the series, I’m assured that I’m in safe hands. I would like to thank Kim and Rajiv for making this happen. I’m glad that this is taking off and can’t wait to see the pilot now.”

    The pilot/teaser is expected to be ready in three months, according to the statement.