Kids
Impending Disney entry shakes competition out of lethargy
The impending entry of Disney Channel in the country seems to have shaken the competition out of a stupor.
Archrival Cartoon Network revamped its prime time programming band last week, in a bid to get older audiences hooked to animation. And now, the distant third channel in the reckoning, Nickelodeon is gearing up to face the Disney challenge. Jimmy Neutron is Nick’s answer to Mickey & Donald’s imminent official arrival in the country.
Jimmy Neutron:Boy Genius makes his debut on 22 December with a series of one minute animated segments to be followed by music videos from the movie, leading to its TV series premiere later next year. Neutron is Nickelodeon’s first 3D, computer graphics imagery animated character, and the channel’s first property to be developed as a simultaneous multi media franchise.
Cartoon Network got into preparation mode very early. It jettisoned its Turner Network Television movie block earlier this year to become a 24 hour cartoon channel. And it is planning to go one step further: it is talking about launching other regional language channel services, starting with Tamil in the not-so-distant future. The channel has also planned a toon party of sorts in Mumbai on 25 November to attract some more media attention to its toon stars.
All their efforts may pale in front of Disney’s grand plans to spend $30 million in India. It is, however, yet to respond to its Indian partner for other ventures, the Modi Entertainment Network group, which has said it would like Disney to get a no-objection certificate from it before venturing alone into India.
Disney is scheduled to launch all its famous cartoons in Hindi on the proposed 24 hour pay channel. It may use most of its estimated 400 odd hours of its dubbed library, accumulated over four years of airing translated and dubbed shows on DD, Zee and Sony.
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!
