Kids
Animax to launch in India 5 July
MUMBAI: SPE Networks Asia today announced plans to launch the highly successful anime channel, Animax, in India on 5 July.
The dedicated Animax South Asia feed follows the successful Animax Asia rollout that began with Taiwan on New Year’s Day, Hong Kong on 12 January, and the South East Asia service on 19 January. Animax, which is completely devoted to popular animation from Japan – anime – launched first in Japan. India will therefore mark the fifth Animax operation in Asia.
Customized for India and dubbed in Hindi and English, will be a general entertainment channel that targets kids and young adults as well.
The One Alliance will distribute Animax across India, and SET India will represent Animax in advertising sales.
The programming timeblocks on the India-specific service will have four prime time blocks:
Kids Hour Weekdays from 3-7pm, dubbed in Hindi, for children in primary school
Youth Hour Weekdays from 7-9pm, dubbed in English, for teenagers and kids in secondary school
Mega Zone Weekdays from 9-11pm, dubbed in English, featuring blockbuster anime series which appeals to a wide demographic
Weekend Anime ensuring the weekends are just as exciting as weekdays, with some of the hottest anime programs, also dubbed in English, premiering on weekends.
Animax will feature some of the hottest and world’s most popular Japanese animation series from Japan’s top anime studios and producers, including the story of the world’s most-loved anime character, AstroBoy; Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, whose original movie Ghost in the Shell inspired the Wachowski Brothers blockbuster Matrix Trilogy; Samurai X, one of the most popular anime in the world; and Arjuna, a story about a young archer girl, which was inspired by the tale of Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers in the Hindu epic Mahabaratha.
“India is a youthful market. 43% of India’s 1 billion population is under age 20. Animax will tap into this big, vibrant, and entertainment-hungry market,” Todd Miller, managing director of SPE Networks Asia, which operates AXN Asia and Animax Asia. “The themes that can be found in most anime stories transcend language, culture and origin. The unique programming on Animax will resonate with India’s youth,” Miller is quoted as saying in an official release.
SET India CEO Kunal Dasgupta was quoted as saying: “The arrival of Animax strengthens The One Alliance’s position as India’s leading bouquet. The One Alliance is well-positioned to provide top-rated television viewing experiences for viewers of all ages across all programming genres.”
The One Alliance is a joint venture between Sony Entertainment Television India and Discovery Communications India.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
