MAM
Selfie With Bajrangi’s success continues as creators Cosmos-Maya focus on the L&M Strategy
MUMBAI: Bajrangi, the contemporary, child version of the Indian God Hanuman has penetrated households like no other. Latest BARC data indicates that Cosmos-Maya’s one of a kind buddy comedy ‘Selfie With Bajrangi’, which airs daily on Disney’s Hungama TV is a hit with children and parents alike. The show ranks #1 among all the shows in Kids Category (Local + International, Animation + Live Action) basis Average Impressions (Week 16, 2018 to Week 23, 2019).
After two successful runs on Disney’s Hungama TV in Summer and Diwali last year, the recently launched third run, comprising brand new episodes of the second season of the show, has also garnered high ratings. Disney is excited with the consistent numbers and kids may have a chance to get more of their favourite buddy Bajrangi. Cosmos-Maya is planning 10 TV Films and a theatrical film on the IP.
Bajrangi’s admiration can be attributed to the fact that it has the ability to speak to viewers in the universal language of relatability. The secret sauce is familiarity with novelty. It is set on a quintessential Indian family who all viewers can relate with. The protagonist Ankush's life changes when he meets Bajrangi, the nine-year-old child version of the Indian God, who no one but he can see. The show is modeled on kids’ day to day lives and beautifully encapsulates the nuances of Indian culture in an entertaining format. Bajrangi does not just help his buddy Ankush with his day to day problems, he helps comfort the millions of kids who watch the show. The show has become an everyday affair for families and Ankush and Bajrangi have become household names.
Jubilant on the development, Anish Mehta, CEO Cosmos-Maya said, “Selfie With Bajrangi has just exploded. Programming of the show was just as important as the creative aspect and I’ll take this opportunity to thank team Disney.”
Dheeraj Berry, SVP, Development & Current Projects, and creator of Selfie With Bajrangi added, “With Selfie With Bajrangi, we ticked all the boxes pertaining to Indian entertainment. There is the beloved Hanuman, there is a quintessential Indian family, there are mild antagonists. Basically, it is a very feel good show that the entire family can enjoy. Thank you to Disney for helping us build this brand with their innovative programming strategies.”
Selfie With Bajrangi is another Cosmos-Maya IP after Motu Patlu to stay on top of the ratings chart for such a long period. The show’s success over the last year has helped it cross the critical juncture of being just a fad and Cosmos-Maya foresees L&M potential given its consistent success.
CEO Anish Mehta further added, “We are now our own competitors. Selfie With Bajrangi is everything Motu Patlu is not. L&M is the next logical step with this proven and consistent success. Motu Patlu’s foray into consumer products began two years after its launch. Selfie With Bajrangi has taken lesser time in establishing itself as a highly relatable brand.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
