Kids
Disney, Pixar to decide on further course of action on Monday
MUMBAI: The buzz over Disney looking to acquire Pixar Animation in the US is growing stronger. Reports indicate that if the deal goes through then Pixar CEO Steve Jobs could become a member of Disney’s board.
The two parties will meet on Monday 23 January 2006 to discuss the plan of action.
Job’s has a 50 per cent stake in Pixar which is is worth over $3.5 billion. This would be more than enough to turn him into Disney’s largest individual shareholder should he accept a stock swap. Disney of course would benefit in a huge way. Its animation division is already starting to feel some heat as the deal with Pixar comes to a close. The last film in its 14 year deal with Pixar is Cars which will be released later this year.
In the past couple of years there had been problems between jobs and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Jobs had criticised Disney’s creative and financial practices. He had accused the company of trying to squeeze the last penny out of hit franchises, regardless of quality. Iger however who took over has been keen to mend fences.
Buying Pixar could make Disney poorer to the tune of $8 billion. Whether Jobs will sell is doubtful reports state, given his investment in Apple, attachment to Pixar, and the potential cost to Disney. The other issue is whether Pixar talent like John Lasseter who directed Toy Story will stay should an acquisition go through. Disney’s culture is said to be more restrictive. Last year Disney had struck a deal with Apple. Some shows like Desperate Housewives are available for download for Apple’s video iPod.
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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.
