Kids
UTV, Sun in talks for Tamil kids channel
MUMBAI: UTV is in talks with Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Network to jointly launch a Tamil language kids channel.
As per the discussions conducted thus far, UTV will look after the programming and marketing of the channel while the distribution of the channel will be handled by Sun, which runs a cable network in Tamil Nadu called SCV.
UTV, along with promoter Ronnie Screwvala, already runs a Hindi kids channel, Hungama TV. United Home Entertainment is the company that owns and operates Hungama TV.
The talks between UTV and Sun Network are, however, at a preliminary stage, sources say. “Nothing has been finalised and the talks are still inconclusive. UTV wants to launch kids’ channels in Tamil and Telugu languages,” a source added.
When contacted, Screwvala said the company was in talks with more than one company. “It is too premature at this stage to talk of anything definite,” he added, refusing to divulge the name of any single company he was in negotiations with.
Hungama TV is also in talks for roping in an overseas strategic investor. The channel is distributed by Star India as part of its bouquet which includes the two Walt Disney channels and Star One.
The extension of the Hungama TV business is reflected in the joint venture deal with Malaysia’s Astro All Asia Network for setting up kids channels in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and later Singapore. UTV will have the option to invest up to 20 per cent stake in the joint venture company within three years.
The capital employed in Hungama TV is Rs 600 million with UTV having pumped in Rs 430 million so far.
Sun Network, a dominant player in the south, which has channels in the general entertainment, movies and music space, does not operate any kids channel. Disney is the only player to have kids’ channels with dubbed versions in Tamil and Telugu languages. There is no dedicated Malayalam language kids channel.
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.
