iWorld
Crunchyroll rewrites the stars with India’s first full Makoto Shinkai lineup
MUMBAI: Anime lovers in India are getting their own cosmic alignment this December, as Crunchyroll brings the full constellation of Makoto Shinkai’s filmography to India for the very first time. It’s a moment fans have long wished upon and this time, the stars are finally delivering.
Beginning 4 December, all eight of Shinkai’s acclaimed films will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll, marking the most extensive and definitive Shinkai collection ever made available to Indian audiences. From meteoric blockbusters to early, hand-crafted gems, the lineup offers a sweeping journey through the director’s emotionally rich, visually luminous storytelling universe.
And for the first time ever, several of Shinkai’s most beloved films arrive with Hindi dubs, making them accessible to an even wider community of fans.
The full Makoto Shinkai collection streaming from 4 December:
• Suzume (2022) — Available in Hindi dub
• Weathering With You (2019) — Hindi dub debut
• Your Name. (2016) — Hindi dub debut
• The Garden of Words (2013)
• Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
• 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
• The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2003)
• Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
Shinkai’s films known for their lush palettes, aching romances, time-bending narratives, and bittersweet destinies have shaped a generation of anime fans across the world. Whether it’s the cosmic connection of Your Name., the sweeping yearning of 5 Centimeters per Second, or the quiet beauty of The Garden of Words, his stories linger long after the credits roll.
For many Indian fans, this collection is more than a streaming update, it’s a cultural moment. Shinkai’s films have found massive followings here, despite limited access, scattered availability, and often no local-language support. Crunchyroll’s debut of all eight titles including first-ever Hindi dubs for his three biggest films turns long-standing fandom into full-fledged streaming reality.
This curated rollout also strengthens Crunchyroll’s rapidly expanding India library. The platform now features over 850 anime titles, including 130 plus dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it one of India’s most robust anime destinations. Subscriptions start at INR 79 per month, offering ad-free viewing and access to the world’s largest anime catalogue.
For fans who’ve waited years to experience Shinkai’s works legally, fully, and in one place, December may just be the month their hearts finally catch up to the stars they’ve been chasing.
After all, in true Shinkai fashion some stories are worth crossing timelines for.
iWorld
Subedaar puts Indian original cinema on the global map with record-breaking Prime Video debut
MUMBAI: Prime Video has a runaway hit on its hands. Subedaar, the gritty action drama starring Anil Kapoor, has stormed to become the most-watched Indian original movie on the platform in its opening weekend, cracking the Top 10 across 31 countries and landing in 91 per cent of India’s pin codes within days of its March 5 premiere.
The film, a visceral, emotionally-charged story of a retired soldier, Subedaar Arjun Maurya, wrestling with civilian life amid crime and corruption, has struck a nerve. Directed by Suresh Triveni and co-starring Radhikka Madan, Mona Singh, Saurabh Shukla, Aditya Rawal, Faisal Malik, and Khushboo Sundar, the film is already being hailed as a showcase for what Indian original storytelling can achieve on the world stage.
“Subedaar’s success is a reflection of the growing scale and global resonance of Indian storytelling,” said Nikhil Madhok, director and head of originals at Prime Video India. “The film’s emotional narrative, its rooted portrayal of a soldier confronting his toughest battles beyond the battlefield, has struck a chord. Anil Kapoor delivers an acting masterclass, while Suresh Triveni’s solid direction and great performances from the ensemble cast have resulted in love and appreciation from customers across the world.”
Kapoor, 62, has been here before, but rarely at this altitude. Written by Triveni and Prajwal Chandrashekar, with dialogues by Triveni, Saurabh Dwivedi, and Chandrashekar, the film is a production by Opening Image Films in association with Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), produced by Vikram Malhotra, Kapoor, and Triveni.
Subedaar streams exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu across India, and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
For Prime Video, the numbers tell the real story: one weekend, one film, a global footprint, and a very loud signal that Indian original cinema is no longer just travelling well. It’s arriving.
