iWorld
Applause Entertainment jumps into kiddie toons with ApplaToon launch on YouTube
MUMBAI: Applause Entertainment is taking a bold leap into the world of kids’ animation with the launch of its brand-new YouTube channel, ApplaToon. Kicking off this vibrant venture is Kiya & Kayaan, a sprightly new animated series based on the Amar Chitra Katha Junior Library — and it’s dropping just in time for summer holidays.
Aimed at children aged 4 to 8, Kiya & Kayaan follows two curious siblings who stumble upon VR headsets and are transported to “Storyland” — a dazzling realm inspired by Indian mythology and folklore. There, they embark on whirlwind adventures, bump into mythical creatures, and pick up timeless lessons on courage, curiosity and kindness.
The show, directed by Sanjeev Sahoo, is co-produced with Popcorn Animation Studio, Prayan Animation Studio, Living Pixels and Warnick Studios. It premieres 25 April, with new episodes airing every Tuesday and Friday.
The launch comes as part of Applause’s landmark deal with Amar Chitra Katha, which grants the studio rights to adapt over 400 classic tales from the legendary comic book house. It marks the first time these cherished stories will leap off the page and into the YouTube generation’s favourite screen.
Said Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair: “With ApplaToon, we’re venturing into an entirely new creative space — kids animation and it’s both exciting and deeply purposeful. This is not just a new vertical for us; it’s a chance to shape young imaginations through powerful Indian storytelling. With Kiya & Kayaan, based on the timeless Amar Chitra Katha Junior Library, we’re bringing heritage to the here-and-now, combining technology, mythology, and heart. YouTube gives us the perfect playground to do this at scale, taking Indian stories to global audiences.”
Amar Chitra Katha president & CEO Preeti Vyas: “For decades, Amar Chitra Katha has introduced generations of readers to the richness of Indian heritage through its iconic comics. We’re thrilled to see our stories come alive in a new format with Kiya & Kayaan. Animation opens up magical new possibilities for children to engage with Indian mythology, folk tales, culture, history, and values. Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment is a step towards making timeless tales both accessible and and exciting for today’s digital-first kids.”
From myth to mouse click, ApplaToon hopes to enchant the next generation of digital-first kids — and give nostalgic parents something to cheer for too.
Watch the trailer here: https://youtube.com/@applatoon?si=7DTW-qAIH-8U_hwL
iWorld
JioStar revenue hits Rs 9,784 crore as cricket fuels 22 per cent growth
A surge in digital viewership and sports dominance fuels a blockbuster quarter for the media giant
MUMBAI: JioStar is batting on a flat pitch. The media titan’s fourth-quarter results for the financial year 2026 reveal a business scaling new heights, propelled by an unprecedented appetite for premium sports and digital-first storytelling.
Gross revenue for the quarter soared by 22.15 per cent to Rs 9,784 crore, up from Rs 8,010 crore in the third quarter. Operationally, the momentum was equally strong; revenue from operations climbed 21 per cent to Rs 8,372 crore. These figures underscore the firm’s successful integration following the Reliance and Disney merger, creating a dominant force in the Indian market.
The annual performance has been nothing short of a spectacle. Full-year gross revenue reached a massive Rs 36,248 crore, while annual profit after tax hit Rs 3,210 crore. This rapid expansion reflects JioStar’s ability to capture and monetise the massive growth in India’s media consumption.
Cricket proved to be the ultimate growth engine. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and TATA IPL 2026 delivered “record-breaking viewership” across both television and digital screens. The World Cup final alone drew a global peak concurrency of 72.5 million on JioHotstar, cementing its status as the nation’s premier streaming destination. On television, JioStar maintained a commanding 34.2 per cent viewership share, reaching a staggering 810 million viewers nationwide.
The digital numbers were just as impressive. JioHotstar averaged 500 million monthly active users, driven by consistent subscriber growth and innovative AI-led content discovery tools. These advancements are ensuring that JioStar remains at the cutting edge of the global “Race for Attention.”
With a firm grip on the country’s most valuable sporting rights and a rapidly growing digital footprint, JioStar is perfectly positioned for the future. It has built the ultimate content powerhouse—one that is ready to dominate the Indian living room for years to come.
