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
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
