Kids
Disney channels to be available in four languages
MUMBAI: Walt Disney, which launches in India on 17 December, will make available its two channels in local languages, a move seen to widen its appeal to audiences across the Hindi and southern regions of the country.
Its flagship, The Disney Channel (TDC), will have an English and Hindi feed, the two languages which will provide a national base. Being positioned as a family-viewing channel, Walt Disney feels there is no need at this stage to address a state-specific approach across the southern region.
TDC’s sibling channel Toon Disney, which is set to take kids genre leader Cartoon Network head on, will be available in Tamil, Telugu and Hinglish (mix of Hindi, English), according to a source close to the company. When contacted, Walt Disney Television International (India) managing director Rajat Jain did not wish to comment.
The move to dub Toon Disney in the southern languages appears aimed at taking over what could well be termed virgin terrain in the kids viewing segment. Cartoon Network does not have separate feeds so far in the southern languages (a two-hour Tamil band is all it has delved into thus far). Cartoon Network has an English and Hindi language feed.
Other rival channels also have plans to offer separate language feeds. Pogo aims to have 80 per cent of its content dubbed in Hindi by year-end while Nick has an expanded its Hindi band. Hungama TV, a local kids channel in Hindi, plans to offer a Tamil feed as well. Animax from the Sony stable has announced it will have a Hindi feed by April 2005.
Walt Disney will launch its two channels on Wednesday (17 December). The company is waiting for distribution to be in place before it carries out a major promotional burst in mid-January, 2005. One thing that the promotion and marketing will not include of course is recognition related activity. Walt Disneys content has long been available in India as programming blocks in several local language channels across the country.
Star India has inked a deal to distribute the Walt Disney channels in India. The bundled price of the two channels, as reported by indiantelevision.com earlier, is fixed at Rs 12 a month per subscriber.
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!
