Tag: Nickelodeon

  • Made in Bharat goes global as HiTech Animation powers a mythic leap

    Made in Bharat goes global as HiTech Animation powers a mythic leap

    MUMBAI: Once upon a timeline not in Hastinapur, but in Kolkata, a creative revolution took root. What began as a modest dream inside a small studio in 2012 has today turned into one of India’s most compelling success stories in animation. HiTech Animation Studios, the homegrown powerhouse behind Kurukshetra, is showing the world that the next wave of visual storytelling is proudly Made in Bharat.

    From the land known for art, music and literature, HiTech emerged with a clear vision to create world-class animation from India, for the world. Over the past decade, the studio has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Sony Yay, Nickelodeon, Byju’s, Cartoon Network, and Pogo. Each project honed its craft, blending technical precision with creative flair, and proved that Indian animators could hold their own against global giants.

    The studio’s crowning glory arrived this year with Kurukshetra, a two-part animated epic that reimagines the Mahabharata through the eyes of 18 warriors. Released on Netflix on 10 October and 24 October 2025, and produced in collaboration with Tipping Point, the digital arm of JioStar, the series took three years and over 250 artists and technicians to create.

    Rendered in cutting-edge 3D animation, motion capture, and photorealistic visual design, the 18-episode series is available in 34 global languages and streaming in 190 countries. For Indian storytelling, Kurukshetra is more than a milestone, it’s a declaration of creative intent, proving that homegrown myth and modern technology can together craft a cinematic spectacle with universal appeal.

    “Our focus has been on building an integrated ecosystem, where talent development, technology, and production excellence work in sync to deliver content that creates impact beyond borders,” said HiTech Animation managing director and founder Subrata Roy. “We’ve always approached animation as both a creative pursuit and a scalable industry.”

    HiTech’s rise mirrors a larger cultural moment India’s transformation from a content service hub into a storytelling powerhouse. By combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with its own in-house training programmes, the studio not only creates premium content but also shapes the next generation of animators powering India’s creative economy.

    Roy believes that the foundation for this artistic growth lies deep within India’s culture itself. “Art and craft have always been integral to our education and identity. Combine that with our socio-cultural diversity, and we have the stories and the talent to captivate audiences across countries and cultures something the global success of Kurukshetra clearly shows,” he said.

    From a single floor in Kolkata to the world’s biggest streaming platform, HiTech Animation’s journey is a story of vision meeting velocity, of tradition reimagined through technology. As Kurukshetra takes Indian mythology to millions of screens worldwide, one truth stands tall when Bharat dreams in pixels, the world watches in awe.

  • Media mogul Sumner Redstone passes away at 97

    Media mogul Sumner Redstone passes away at 97

    Mumbai: Sumner Redstone, the influential US media mogul who owned CBS and Viacom, passed away at the age of 97, as confirmed by his family on Tuesday. Redstone had been a central figure in the entertainment industry for decades, serving as chairman of the board of directors for both CBS and Viacom until stepping down in 2016 due to declining health. His resignation followed internal family disputes over the companies’ control, with his family maintaining a majority stake.

    In late 2019, CBS and Viacom were merged into one entity, managing some of the most well-known television networks and film studios in the world, including CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures. This consolidation placed the company in the same league as other major U.S. media corporations such as Disney, Time Warner, and 21st Century Fox.

    Born Sumner Murray Rothstein in Boston in 1923, Redstone changed his surname in 1940 to Redstone. He graduated from Harvard University and served in U.S. military intelligence during World War II. In 1954, he joined his father’s business, which he later transformed into National Amusements, one of the largest cinema operators in the United States.

    Redstone survived a near-fatal fire in 1979 and went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He fought fiercely to gain control of Paramount Pictures and later took over Viacom, which owned MTV and CBS. Viacom and CBS merged in 2000 but split again in 2006.

    Redstone’s remarkable career left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and his legacy continues through the companies he built and reshaped.Sumner Redstone

  • Viacom18 Consumer Products celebrates 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants

    Viacom18 Consumer Products celebrates 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants

    Mumbai: To mark the 25th anniversary of the critically acclaimed Nickelodeon animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, Viacom18 Consumer Products is all set for a yearlong celebration featuring exciting new collaborations and exclusive merchandise. The licensing and merchandising arm of Viacom 18 has partnered with several major artists, such as Raul Urias and Jisu Choi, Daniel Mackey and Berthet One, and Dennis Gabbana and Tik Ka from East. Additionally, the celebration brings fans closer to their favourite character with an exclusive collection of swimwear, rainwear, bucket hats, tote bags, and more.

    Viacom18 Consumer Products Head Sachin Puntambekar said, “SpongeBob SquarePants is an iconic global franchise that has captured the imagination of fans for 25 years. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to tap into the creator and artist economy for unique designs and exclusive merchandise. This campaign is a testament to our commitment towards immersive experiences that extend beyond the screen, transcending into the lives of our audiences.”

    Leaving no stone unturned for the SpongeBob SquarePants fandom, Viacom18 Consumer Products has planned an extensive marketing campaign spanning TV, retail, and digital activations. This includes SpongeBob and Patrick figurines at retail stores, takeovers, and dedicated character pages on D2C partner websites, collaborations with influencers, and promotional campaigns on popular channels such as Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1, and JioCinema.

    Celebrate the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants with exclusive merch available offline and online platforms like Reliance, Flipkart, Lifestyle, Amazon India, and Myntra. 

  • JioCinema Premium unlocks access to favourite serials before TV premiere only at Rs 29 per month

    JioCinema Premium unlocks access to favourite serials before TV premiere only at Rs 29 per month

    Mumbai: New Entertainment Plan is here! India’s premium streaming platform JioCinema recently announced its ad-free plan – JioCinema Premium – with an introductory pricing of just Rs 29/month for a single device and Rs 89/month for up to four devices at a time. As part of the subscription, members get early access to their favourite serials like Shiv Shakti, Bhagyalakshmi, Naagini, Jai Jai Swami Samarth, Pherari Mon, Rashi Rikshawwali, and more, in addition to all on-air fiction content from Viacom18 network channels including Nickelodeon, MTV, and other the entire Colors suite of local language channels.

    That’s not all! JioCinema Premium goes beyond early access and will offer 20 TV channels from the house of Viacom18 available to stream. This will come with an ad-free experience, high-definition quality (up to 4K!), and the option to download shows for offline viewing – perfect for catching up on the go or avoiding buffering. So, what are you waiting for?

  • JioCinema’s Toontastic Winter Carnival: 24 new shows for kids & family

    JioCinema’s Toontastic Winter Carnival: 24 new shows for kids & family

    Mumbai: Following its recent foray into kids’ entertainment, JioCinema is further set to elevate the entertainment quotient for its young viewers and their families with its latest campaign ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’ to welcome 2024. Promising to make this holiday season the biggest-ever carnival and unforgettable for everyone, the festival brings a blockbuster lineup of 24 new shows, providing more than 300 hours of engaging content.

    As a part of this, JioCinema will drop new titles every day, presenting a diverse mix of homegrown and international releases from the kids’ network content of Viacom18 Nickelodeon, as well as globally renowned studios such as Warner Bros. and Paramount. Encompassing various genres like action, comedy, and adventure for kids, teens, and parents alike, the extravaganza includes many first-time debuts on JioCinema and will feature popular homegrown IPs – Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family and The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj, along with shows – Shimmer And Shine, Paw Patrol, Avatar : The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness, The Penguins Of Madagascar, Top Wing, Dora The Explorer, The Legend Of Korra. That’s not all! The carnival will also premiere global hits like Tom & Jerry, Samurai Jack, Karadi Tales, Geronimo Stilton, Teen Titans Go, Ben 10, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Zig & Sharko, Steven Universe, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Wacky Races, Chowder and Megas XLR.

     

    Elevating the interactive experience for digital natives, JioCinema is pulling out all the stops with a watch-and-win experience ‘Khelo, Dekho, aur Jeeto’ contest, adding an engaging touch to the campaign. Ushering in 2024, JioCinema continues to set the benchmark for unparalleled viewing experience with one of its biggest rollouts of new shows. With the recently added ‘Kids and Family Hub’ offering and the launch of ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’, the platform aims to create a delightful experience for young audiences and their families.

    Create unforgettable family moments this holiday season with JioCinema! Dive into a world of enchanting shows and movies, making every moment a magical adventure for kids and families alike!

     

  • Nickelodeon celebrates kids’ curiosity on Children’s Day with #HappyKidding

    Nickelodeon celebrates kids’ curiosity on Children’s Day with #HappyKidding

    Mumbai: One of the coolest things about kids is their eagerness to ask endless questions and sometimes none at all. In an endeavor to celebrate and nurture this curiosity, Nickelodeon, India’s most loved kids’ entertainment franchise, has launched its Children’s Day campaign #HappyKidding, encouraging little ones to explore, learn, and understand the world around them and most importantly have fun along the way in their own unique way.

    Designed with the country’s most loved Nicktoons, #HappyKidding brings to life an exhilarating campaign that embodies the essence of childhood, where curiosity knows no bounds, questions are welcomed, and every day is an adventure. In alignment with Nickelodeon’s brand ethos, the campaign aptly captures the magic of being a kid. As part of this campaign, Nickelodeon teamed up with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to offer young viewers unforgettable experiences that perfectly resonate with the spirit of #HappyKidding. In partnership with DMRC, #HappyKidding engaged young viewers in an interactive session that focused on answering on the aspect of tricky questions that children often ponder, while also taking them on a tour of the Metro Museum. That’s not all! The beloved Nicktoons, along with a group of spirited children, will make an exciting stop at SRCC Hospital where they learn about the workings of a hospital, ask questions, and perhaps even share a few of their own insights with the doctors.

    Speaking on nurturing kids, Viacom18 head of marketing, kids entertainment cluster Sonali Bhattacharya said, “At Nickelodeon, it has always been our endeavor to engage and deepen our connect with the kids beyond the television screens. It is with this aim that we continue to deliver campaigns that foster creativity and empower kids to explore and learn things in unique ways. #HappyKidding is a testament to our commitment to nurturing and celebrating the essence of childhood. We hope to inspire kids and their families to cherish every moment of their journey, embracing the excitement, and curiosity that comes with being a kid.”

    DMRC MD Dr. Vikas Kumar expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “We deeply appreciate the partnership with Nickelodeon in making Children’s Day extra special for these young minds. We hope that this experience ignites their dreams and motivates them to pursue their aspirations with dedication and hard work. The Delhi Metro family is proud to have been a part of this wonderful initiative.”

    The Children’s Day campaign will be prominently promoted on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, while also featuring influencer engagements, and office interactivities, spreading the message of #HappyKidding.

    This Children’s Day, join Nickelodeon in encouraging children to dream big, learn fearlessly, and explore the world around them in their own style with #HappyKidding!

  • Nickelodeon bolsters programming with the launch of global hit ‘The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’ in India

    Nickelodeon bolsters programming with the launch of global hit ‘The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’ in India

    Mumbai: Nickelodeon, India’s No. 1 destination for kids’ entertainment, continues to push the envelope and set new benchmarks in the dynamic kids’ category through immersive and relatable storytelling. In line with the network’s commitment to successfully identifying white spaces and filling them, Nickelodeon has yet again filled another need gap in the kids’ category. With a robust content library of genre-defining IPs like Motu Patlu, Shiva, Rudra, Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus, Chikoo Aur Bunty, Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family and many more, Nickelodeon is all set to debut its maiden co-production with Nickelodeon International – The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj – in India. Starting October 15th, the new-age comedy will air every Saturday-Sunday at 1pm.

    A first-of-its-kind animated series, ‘The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’ revolves around the escapades of two cousins, Sammy and Raj who possess a unique and mysterious time-altering app. With the extraordinary ability to pause, rewind and fast-forward time itself, Sammy and Raj embark on a series of amusing adventures as they attempt to tackle various issues. However, their well-intentioned efforts often end up causing a delightful blend of uproarious chaos and comedic situations. In each episode, Sammy and Raj encounter fresh and entertaining challenges, all while utilising their time-altering app to cleverly manoeuvre through the hurdles that come their way.

    Speaking on the partnership with Nickelodeon International, Viacom18  head – creative, content, and research, Kids TV Network, Anu Sikka said, “The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is a collaborative testament between Nickelodeon International and us to deliver diverse, inclusive top-quality content for our young audiences. Filled with humour, this story of time travel is a fresh and unparalleled addition to our slate. We are confident that this show will grow to become an instant favourite, reaffirming our commitment to kids and the category.”

    Paramount’s global kids & family group VP – International production and development Chris Rose said, “The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is the successful result of our partnership with Viacom18. Thanks to an extensive collaboration and strong teamwork, we managed to create a powerful story that explore differences between Eastern and Western sensibilities. The team in India was key to creating the story line and defining the characters for a kids’ show which gives audiences a taste of Indian culture, while capturing universal storylines that appeal to all audiences.”

    Supporting the launch of The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is a robust multi-screen marketing plan across the Nickelodeon franchise, with a strong push on social media and various other digital platforms, games, connected tv, and influencer collaborations. Taking the plan a step forward, is an innovative AR filter which will transport kids in time by altering their appearance and is sure to draw equal attention from kids as well as brands.

  • Nina Elavia Jaipuria bids adieu to Viacom18

    Nina Elavia Jaipuria bids adieu to Viacom18

    Mumbai: Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Viacom18’s head of Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV network, has parted ways with the company after 17 years.

    Jaipuria joined Viacom18 in 2006 as the business head of Nickelodeon. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in the expansion of the network’s kids cluster. Prior to joining Viacom18, she has worked for Sony Entertainment Television for over three years as vice president of marketing & communication.

    A Viacom18 spokesperson said, “After 17 years of leading the pivotal businesses of Kids Entertainment and Hindi Mass Entertainment at Viacom18, Nina Elavia Jaipuria will be moving on from the company to pursue her individual goals at the close of this calendar year. We thank her for her contribution in shaping Viacom18 as a preferred entertainment destination and wish her all the best in her future ventures.”

  • Nickelodeon launches its Children’s Day campaign ‘#NickChildrensDayFUNda’

    Nickelodeon launches its Children’s Day campaign ‘#NickChildrensDayFUNda’

    Mumbai: Nickelodeon has launched its Children’s Day campaign, “#NickChildrensDayFUNda,” that encourages kids to express their feelings and unique fun-da about life.

    With this campaign, Nickelodeon reaffirms its dedication to kids by promising to always be a friend they can trust. Nourish has joined Nickelodeon as an associate sponsor for the campaign.

    The campaign encouraging children to express themselves is brought to life by #NickelodeonChildrensDayFUNda, which was created with the nation’s most beloved Nicktoons, Chikoo, Bunty, Happy, and Pinaki.

    To encourage kids to express their desires and ideas, Nickelodeon has also launched a special microsite. Nickelodeon will choose some of the best submissions and give them a voice by airing them on the channels on 14 and 15 November. With carefully curated games on the microsite, kids can interact with their favourite cartoons as well.

    Speaking on celebrating kids at every step of the way, Viacom18 Kids TV Network marketing head Sonali Bhattacharya said, “At Nickelodeon, we have always encouraged kids to express themselves. It is with this belief that we engage with kids beyond screens and dial up the connection with our young audiences and their parents through meaningful campaigns and initiatives. Our Children’s Day campaign puts the power back in the hands of kids and encourages them to voice their fundamental wants and needs, however big or small. We wish kids all over the country a very happy Children’s Day and urge them to keep their free spirit intact!”

    The campaign is being boosted through a variety of social and digital initiatives, influencer engagement, partnerships, mall engagements, and on-ground activities, in addition to the special promos featuring Chikoo, Bunty, Happy, and Pinaki that will air across the Nickelodeon franchise.

    Nickelodeon has partnered with food companies like My Froyoland and Hangout Cakes & More to provide sweet treats for its young viewers. Through the food delivery services Zomato and Swiggy, children can order these special treats.

    On 14 November, Nickelodeon will also host a special Nicktastic brunch in collaboration with the JW Marriott, Mumbai. This brunch is especially designed around the children’s favourite Nicktoons, with customizations ranging from the menu to the restaurant decor, and it concludes with a special meet-and-greet between Happy & Pinaki and the children at the hotel.

    Nickelodeon has announced that its newest movie, Motu Patlu & The Terror of Giant Beasts, will have its television premiere on 13 November at 11:30 a.m., adding to the festivities.

    The intensity of this action-packed movie, which is set in Furfuri Nagar and features Motu and Patlu battling the enormous beast, is sure to reach new heights. On 14 November, Nickelodeon also announced Nick Ka Fun-day, which will feature special episodes of Zig and Sharko, Motu Patlu, and Chikoo Aur Bunty and begin at 7:00 a.m. Motu Patlu film festival is additionally scheduled for 15-18 November at 4:30 p.m.

  • Devdatta Potnis parts ways with Cosmos-Maya

    Devdatta Potnis parts ways with Cosmos-Maya

    Mumbai: After a ten-year partnership during which time the company grew steadily, Devdatta Potnis, the current chief growth officer, has announced his decision to leave Cosmos-Maya.

    Dev joined the studio as head of sales in 2011 and was instrumental in getting the animation studio’s first domestic IP, Motu Patlu, off the ground. The show is celebrating its ten-year milestone this year. In 2015, he planned another strategic move, diversifying the studio’s revenue streams by establishing one of the biggest digital kids’ networks globally, WowKidz, which has over 90 million subscribers worldwide across YouTube and Facebook. With Dev at the helm, the studio went on to produce a multitude of shows with leading kids’ broadcasters in India including Nickelodeon, Disney, Cartoon Network, Sony, Discovery and also cemented bonds with all the key OTT players like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Voot, Zee5 and Disney+ Hotstar among others.

    After this domestic success, the studio set its sights on international markets overseen by Dev. He placed Cosmos-Maya on a structured growth path across the European, Asian, and North American markets, and became the face of the animation studio globally. It was thanks to these consistent efforts, that the studio grew from 30 people to 1200+ artists & the coveted private equity investment came into the animation business, first with KKR backed Emerald Media in 2018 and then with TPG affiliate NewQuest Capital Partners in 2021. According to media reports, the company has grown phenomenally in the last decade, from one Indian series in 2012 to a market leadership position in India with a valuation of more than 90 million USD. Dev was a key architect in these endeavours.

    “It has been a pleasure working with this incredible company, Cosmos-Maya, and I thank the founders, Ketan Mehta, Deepa Sahi and Anish Mehta, who gave me the opportunity to grow this company, plan its strategic direction, and take it to the stage where it is now India’s #1 animation studio. I owe a lot of my professional expertise and development to Cosmos-Maya and the team, who will always be special to me, personally and professionally. I wish them all the best for the future,” said Potnis.

    Dev’s next move will be announced soon.