Kids
Cartoon Network to introduce new tech-savvy superhero Ekans on 27 June
KOLKATA: Cartoon Network, a WarnerMedia Kids channel on Thursday announced the release of its first local sci-fi superhero CGI series, ‘Ekans – Ek Se Badhkar Snake’. The all-new animated series will air on the channel starting 27 June, and thereafter from Monday to Friday, at 11:30am and 7:30pm.
The series features a 13-year-old street-smart wunderkind, Ekans, who is chosen as ‘the one’ and is gifted a ‘naagmani’ by the world’s most powerful snakes, thanks to his heart of gold and fearless attitude. With extraordinary snake-like powers, the otherwise conventional tech-savvy youngster obtains heightened sensory perceptions, the ability to camouflage, flexibility, and strength to keep humanity safe from the evils of the world. His trendy hi-tech superpower suit with mechanical snakes gives him additional abilities to cleverly outsmart villains. This original IP has a storyline that centres around the lives of Ekans, his genius family, and goofy friend Chiku.
‘Ekans – Ek Se Badhkar Snake’, local production by Kolkata-based studio Hi-Tech Animation, joins the existing gamut of successful homegrown IPs by WarnerMedia India such as ‘Dabangg – The Animated Series’ on Cartoon Network; ‘Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu’ and ‘Smashing Simmba’ on the companion channel POGO.
Cartoon Network and POGO South Asia Network head Abhishek Dutta said: “We are thrilled to introduce our first-ever original homegrown superhero. It’s also our first-ever CGI series. ‘Ekans – Ek Se Badhkar Snake’ has a character-verse that is locally relevant and resonates universally. The show not only brings entertaining, action-packed adventures with new-age gadgets but also encourages kids to wholly embrace themselves – just as Ekans does. We’re sure kids and their parents will love the show’s teen protagonist, because of his intelligence, unique superpowers, and his ability to overcome challenges and fears for the greater good.”
The show’s title track is a collaborative effort of award-winning Indian playback singer Kailash Kher, freestyle rap sensation Parry G, legendary poet and author Gulzar, and music composer Simaab Sen.
To create excitement and build engagement amongst the audiences, Cartoon Network has also launched a high-impact, 360-degree integrated promotional campaign that celebrates the superhero in every kid. As part of this campaign, the brand has launched an Instagram page @EkansOnCartoonNetwork dedicated to the superhero.
Cartoon Network will also collaborate with various partners, such as leading digital parenting platform Momspresso and YouTube Kids sensation ‘The Aayu-Pihu Show’, for engaging activities on social media. The promotional efforts for #EkansOnCartoonNetwork also include brand integrations, influencer engagement, branded content opportunities, affiliate marketing, in-app mobile game advertising, and exciting activities on Cartoon Network’s official website and social media pages.
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.
