Kids
Sony Pictures TV gobbles up anime distributor Funimation
MUMBAI: Funimation is now a part of Sony Pictures TV after the latter closed a deal worth $143 million for a 95 per cent stake in the anime distribution company. The valuation is around $150 million and the partnership will enable it to spread its wings globally.
Funimation CEO Gen Fukunaga will continue as CEO holding a minority stake. An official statement from the company said, “The deal has closed for Sony Pictures Television Networks to acquire Funimation – and we’re incredibly excited! We’re still the Funimation you’ve known and grown up with and now with the power of Sony, and we Gen Fukunaga at the helm, we have the opportunity to bring the best anime to even more fans across the world.”
The company has many acclaimed anime titles to its repertoire – Dragon Ball, One Piece, Your Name, Attack on Titan, Cowboy Bepop and My Hero Academia.
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!
