Kids
Disney’s plan to launch TV channel in Russia gets derailed
MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company’s plan to launch a free-to-air television channel in the high-growth market of Russia has been derailed. The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of Russia has halted Walt Disney’s attempt to form a joint venture with the country’s Media-One Holdings, which owns and operates 30 TV stations across the country, citing that the agency was provided with false information by “the party applying for Mo-Tv Holdings Ltd”. |
In December, last year, the mouse house had couched out its arrangement to buy a 49 per cent stake in the joint venture wherein Disney would supply cash and programming along with expertise in content acquisition and marketing to kids and families. Apart from showcasing popular Disney shows like Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place dubbed in Russian, the channel would also be anchored by original Russian programming. The deal would also help the kids’ entertainment channel to broaden its audience base besides lending support to its local retail, theatrical distribution, licensing, mobile and internet businesses that already function in Russia. Back then, post announcement, the deal was waiting to receive regulatory approval from Russia, which requires foreign investors to have Russian partners. |
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
