ITV

Tag: Naruto

  • Swipe right on India’s next digital revolution

    Swipe right on India’s next digital revolution

    MUMBAI: Forget just astrology, bollywood and cricket, India’s digital appetite now runs from A to G. According to the Swipe Before Type report unveiled at Lumikai Insignia 2025, Indians are now paying for astrology, bollywood, cricket, dating, education, fandom, and gaming, reflecting a seismic shift from the old offline A-B-C of entertainment to a mobile-first, monetised mosaic.

    Launched by Lumikai, India’s first gaming and interactive media VC fund, the report unpacks how a generation raised on touchscreens is swiping, streaming, and spending its way into new digital frontiers. The insights, drawn from nearly 3,000 mobile users, reveal a nation that’s not just watching but participating.

    Women now make up 46 per cent of India’s interactive media audience, two-thirds hail from non-metro regions, and a whopping 80 per cent use UPI for payments. Half of them subscribe to multiple apps, and one in two downloads a new app every week, proof that India’s entertainment economy is no longer passive, it’s passionately participatory.

    Gaming, once a niche, now commands the biggest share of digital wallets, with players willing to pay for upgrades, skins, and ad-free experiences. Video streaming remains king, with 54 per cent of users paying for premium plans across Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar. Social platforms, meanwhile, are transforming into mini marketplaces where virtual gifting, in-app purchases, and even astrology consultations drive recurring revenue.

    New content trends are also taking hold. Microdramas and short-form storytelling are capturing bite-sized attention spans, while anime has gone mainstream, led by hits like One Piece and Naruto. AI adoption is accelerating too, metro users are 2.5 times more likely to integrate AI into their daily routines than their non-metro counterparts.

    “India has moved from paying for A-B-C offline to A-B-C-D-E-F-G online,” said Lumikai founder and managing partner Salone Sehgal. “Cultural shifts and tech habits are creating entirely new monetisation frontiers.”

    As Sehgal puts it, India isn’t just watching the digital future unfold, it’s swiping it into existence.
     

  • Celebrate Republic Day with Sony YAY!’s toon parade of fun and laughter

    Celebrate Republic Day with Sony YAY!’s toon parade of fun and laughter

    MUMBAI: Who said parades were just for marching bands and floats? This Republic Day, Sony YAY! is rolling out a toon-tastic extravaganza that promises to unite generations in laughter and nostalgia. From the hilarious antics of Shin chan to the never-give-up spirit of Naruto, the channel is all set to bring fans a parade of animated legends that will make you laugh, cheer, and relive the magic of growing up.

    The toon parade lineup

    Shin chan

    First in line is the irrepressible Shin chan, with his cheeky moves and endless pranks. Waving mischievously to the crowd while dodging his mom’s wrath, he reminds us to embrace our inner goofball and find joy in the little things. Shin chan’s antics are sure to leave everyone in splits!

    Oggy

    Armed with his trusty frying pan, Oggy chases the notorious cockroaches down the parade path. His slapstick humour and never-quit attitude bring chaos and hilarity, proving that even in the midst of a mess, you can always laugh your way through life’s curveballs.

    Naruto

    Bursting into the parade with his signature ninja run and unstoppable determination, Naruto brings energy and inspiration to the festivities. His journey of grit and self-belief, from aspiring Hokage to saving the world, shows fans everywhere the power of perseverance. Believe it!

    Honey Bunny

    Bringing up the rear in a whirlwind of colour and chaos, Honey and Bunny roll in on a gadget-filled float, turning every moment into a laugh riot. Their wacky stunts, comedic timing, and unmatched teamwork ensure this parade ends on the perfect high note.

    Sony YAY!’s Republic Day celebration goes beyond nostalgia—it’s a tribute to the animated icons who shaped our childhoods and continue to spark joy today. With a lineup like this, the day promises to be bursting with laughter, fun, and heartwarming moments.

    Tune into Sony YAY! this Republic Day, and march alongside your favourite toons in this one-of-a-kind parade. Relive the magic, share the joy, and celebrate the characters that make growing up unforgettable.

    Don’t just watch the parade—be a part of it!

  • Kites, chaos, and comedy: Toons add hilarious twists to Makar Sankranti

    Kites, chaos, and comedy: Toons add hilarious twists to Makar Sankranti

    MUMBAI: This Makar Sankranti, Sony YAY! turns the skies into a canvas of laughter and cheer as it brings a YAY moment to kids across India!

    With the fan-favourite toons Shin chan, Oggy, Naruto, and Honey Bunny joining the kite-flying frenzy, the harvest festival gets a quirky animated twist.

    Imagine rooftop battles bursting with til laddoos, laughter, and unstoppable mischief as these beloved characters take kite-flying to hilarious new heights. Under the winter sun, it’s a celebration like never before—a perfect blend of tradition and toe-tapping fun, crafted specially for young hearts!

    In this unique twist, the characters bring their personalities to the forefront, transforming kite-flying into a hilarious adventure:

    . Shin chan: The Chaos King

    True to form, Shin chan thrives on creating mayhem rather than winning. He teases competitors, dances around to distract them, and throws in his trademark quips. Amid the chaos, his iconic line, “Don’t praise me so much,” draws the crowd’s laughter.

    . Oggy: The Unlucky Underdog

     Oggy simply wants a peaceful kite-flying day, but the cockroaches steal his kite and sabotage his efforts with fireworks. As sparks fly, Oggy’s frantic chase ends in hilarity when he cuts his own kite’s string.

    . Naruto: The Ninja Strategist

    Naruto brings his shinobi skills to the battle, controlling multiple ninja-themed kites with precision. Using his tactics to stay ahead, he confuses opponents while winning hearts as the crowd favourite.

    . Honey Bunny: The Dynamic Duo

     The mischievous duo enters with a giant carrot-shaped kite. Bunny handles the string while Honey takes to the skies, snipping rivals’ kites mid-air. Their antics leave everyone laughing and cheering, proving they aim to win with flair.

    This Makar Sankranti, Sony YAY! invites viewers to tune in and join the laughter-filled chaos as these beloved characters transform the festival into a spectacle of humour and competition. Whether it’s Shin chan’s pranks, Oggy’s misfortunes, Naruto’s ninja tactics, or Honey and Bunny’s outrageous stunts, every moment promises to entertain.

    Don’t miss out

    . Where to watch: Sony YAY!

    . When: This Makar Sankranti, 14 January 2025.

     

  • Find your ideal Holi companion among your favorite toons

    Find your ideal Holi companion among your favorite toons

    Mumbai: Ever wondered how you can celebrate the festival of colours with your favourite toons? Dodge those pichkaris like Naruto and prank your friends with gulaal just like Honey Bunny. Grab your water guns, fill your buckets with colours and let’s find out how you can celebrate Holi with the craziest bunch in town – the Sony YAY! toons.

    Unleash your inner OG Jholers:

    This Holi, team up with the OG Jholers as you plot who should be the target of your colour filled buckets. Can you imagine what pranks would they pull? Honey and Bunny would definitely outsmart others with water balloons filled with mud. Popat is sure to ‘accidentally’ spill gulaal on you, turning you into a walking rainbow. This Holi, get ready for even more goofy pranks, surprise attacks with colours and laughter that erupts like fireworks!

    Play water tag with Naruto:

    Holi just got way cooler with ninja-themed water tag. Imagine your backyard transformed into an obstacle course. With this Naruto Shippuden-inspired game of water tag, you and your friends will dodge, duck, and dive like real ninjas, soaking each other with those pichkaris. Let Naruto’s ninja way lead your celebrations and find out who will be the last ninja standing.

    Spend a lazy afternoon with Oggy:

    After the vibrant Holi celebration with friends, it’s time to unwind and embrace the lazy afternoon with Oggy. Even though he is always chasing after the mischievous cockroaches with his swatter, Oggy knows how to relax. Picture yourself lounging on the couch, just like your favourite blue cat. Make the most of a peaceful afternoon with some sweet lassi and ghujiya after the colourful Holi bash.

    Tune into Sony YAY! and celebrate Holi with your favourite toons.

  • Sony YAY! unveils its fresh content line-up

    Sony YAY! unveils its fresh content line-up

    Mumbai: Sony YAY! is all set to extend its three-pronged approach of entertaining, experiencing, and exploring with its array of offerings this festive season. This Diwali, the channel welcomed its audiences into their Happyverse – a unique world that brings happiness to the audience at every touchpoint.

    Sony YAY! further strengthens its leadership position as it promises to entertain its young audiences while satiating their need for variety through content that is wholesome and engaging. The channel expands its breadth of content with the launch of its iconic shows in new avatars.

    Sony Pictures Networks India Kids’ Genre business head Leena Lele Dutta said, “Since its inception, we have curated a world for our young audiences that they can call their own. We are very excited to introduce Happyverse – a world filled with endless fun, friendship, and excitement that gives them an opportunity to be their unapologetic selves. It is their undaunting love for Sony YAY! and the characters that keeps us motivated to keep doing something new and exciting consistently.” 

    Oggy and the Cockroaches: Next Gen has introduced a new character, Piya, whose friendship with Oggy will take audiences on a rib-tickling joyride. Taarak Mehta Kka Chhota Chashmah has returned to the screens with a brand new season of complete family entertainment.

    Furthermore, after becoming one of the top five shows in the slot within the first week of its release, Naruto is returning with the ninja’s journey ahead. Sony YAY! is set to delight Naruto fans with the opportunity to own Naruto merchandise, which will be available in a variety of apparel, home décor, and consumer electronics.

    The channel experiments with new formats with a variety of new shows, including PaJaMa, a homegrown slapstick comedy, and Sergent Keroro, a popular and funny Japanese manga series. The celebration will continue with the release of Magoo, as well as the most popular twin cats, Honey and Bunny, who will take audiences on an endless joy ride.

    Through a specially curated on-ground initiative called “Oggy’s Tour of India,” the channel now extends the experience beyond television and across the length and breadth of the country. This festive season, audiences across the country will be able to meet their favourite toons up close and personal thanks to this extensive on-ground property.

  • Sony Yay! launches Japanese anime series ‘Naruto’ on 15 August

    Sony Yay! launches Japanese anime series ‘Naruto’ on 15 August

    Mumbai: Sony’s kids channel Sony Yay! has announced the launch of the Japanese anime series Naruto on 15 August. It will air Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. With the first ever launch of Naruto in five languages, the channel aims to bring anime fans across all age groups closer to their favourite ‘Ninja’. This new addition leads to a significant expansion of the channel’s exhaustive and ever-growing toonverse.

    The show celebrates a style of Japanese anime and is based on a series of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga. The series will showcase a young boy’s resilience and undaunted quest to become the most powerful leader of his village.

    Sony Pictures Networks India, Kids’ Genre! business head Leena Lele Dutta said, “The popularity of anime is growing immensely in India. Our endeavour with Naruto is to take this popular series and add a multilingual offering that will help satiate the demand for anime lovers as well as increase its footprint through localization. With Naruto, Sony Yay! will cater to a larger audience of kids and young adults and further strengthen its leadership position.”