Kids
Disney India reveals new TV channel prices
MUMBAI: One by one, broadcasters are announcing their new channel rates as per TRAI’s tariff requirements. The latest to join the bandwagon is Disney Broadcasting (India) Ltd. Its reference interconnect offer (RIO) will be effective from 29 December 2018. The deadline given by TRAI was 31 August for publication of RIO, declaration of MRP and nature of channels, in connection with its tariff order.
All Disney India channels will be available on a-la-carte basis, as required by regulations. The a-la-carte of all eight channels including SD and HD channels are under Rs 15 per month. Given the different nature of Disney’s offering in Indian TV sector compared to other broadcasters, it has come up with only one bouquet called Universal Bouquet which has been priced at Rs 10. The bouquet excludes only Disney International HD which has the highest price of Rs 15 on the a-la-carte rate chart.
While most of the broadcasters have published their RIOs, Supreme Court is yet to decide the final destiny of the digital television pricing. The Apex Court again deferred the hearing of Star India’s petition filed against TRAI’s tariff and interconnect order to 11 September 2018. The case was first contested in Madras High Court and the high court upheld the tariff order with certain riders.
Meanwhile, major broadcasters have already come up with channel prices. TV18 Broadcast Ltd ( TV18), Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have made several bouquets available targeting audiences of different nature. Three of the broadcasters have also focused highly on regional bouquets. ZEEL was the only broadcaster to publish its RIO before the given deadline. Star India, one of the petitioners against the TRAI tariff order has not filed its RIO yet.
Disney India’s offerings for kids have more popularity in the country compared to its entertainment segment. According to week 35 BARC data, two kids channels from the umbrella, Disney Channel and Hungama were at second and third positions respectively in the kids genre. The first one had 105399 impressions ‘000 and the second one 100401 impressions ‘000.
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.
