Kids
Endemol, Teshkeel to co-produce children’s animation shows
MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor Endemol has partnered with Kuwait-based publishing group Teshkeel Media to bring to life a new animated series based on its superhero comic books, The 99.
The 99 comic book series launched in 2006 and is illustrated and scripted by former and current Marvel and DC Comics writers and artists whose credits include X-Men, Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Batman and Power Rangers.
The comics have been endorsed by the international media. They are distributed widely throughout the Middle East, South Asia and Indonesia. THE 99 will soon make its debut on millions of water bottles licensed by Nestle Waters. Further, the first of six The 99 Village theme parks is due to open in Kuwait in early 2009.
Endemol COO Marco Bassetti says, “We are looking forward to partnering with Teshkeel to bring to life this popular comic book series, which has been well received in the Middle East, South Asia and Indonesia. The comic has captured the imaginations of young people and we hope to achieve equal success internationally with the animated series.”
Teshkeel Media founder CEO Dr Naif Al Mutawa, who also created The 99 said, “It’s rare that an idea born of a social premise can become even more successful as a business. But when THE 99 comics premiered to the acclaim of the worldwide media and the delight of the children they were created to entertain, that is just what happened.
Bringing The 99 to homes around the world through its animated stories will fully implement the power of an idea whose time has come. And doing this in partnership with Endemol, a true world leader in worldwide syndicated television, will ensure our success.”
Production for the series will be overseen by Endemol UK, with animation to be completed in India and post production in the UK. Endemol International will have worldwide TV, online, mobile and DVD distribution rights to the original property.
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.
