Kids
Hungama TV in talks for a strategic investor
MUMBAI: Hungama TV is in talks to rope in a strategic investor, shelving its earlier plans to get a pure equity partner. “With no pressure on raising funds, we are looking at an investor who would add strategic value. We have initiated discussions. The investor could either be a broadcaster or a content company engaged in kids programming,” says UTV Software Communications director, operations and finance Ronald D’Mello.
Hungama TV is also considering expansion into the South Indian language markets. Besides, it is examining opportunities to launch kids channels aimed at splitting multiple target audiences.
Hungama TV, says D’Mello, is attracting reasonable revenues, including subscription income which has started flowing in since July. The channel expects to garner Rs 180 million in the current financial year. “We had agreed with our distribution partner Star India for a one year window where we would not be getting distribution revenues as this would go towards expenses. But the channel has succeeded and both of us agreed to advance the period by three months,” adds D’Mello.
The extension of the Hungama business is reflected in the joint venture deal with Malaysia’s Astro All Asia Network for setting up kids channels in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and later Singapore. UTV will have the option to invest up to 20 per cent stake in the joint venture company within three years.
UTV estimates to generate $4 million upward revenues from this deal over the next three years. The company will be paid a fee for the services by Astro which includes setting up the channels, creating content, marketing and branding activities. Subsequently, Astro will have dubbing rights of Hungama TV content. The DTH service provider can also use Hungama formats and to produce it in those territories. “We estimate an inflow of $4 million from the services we render to the joint venture. Most of the revenues will get reflected in Hungama TV,” says D’Mello.
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.
