GECs
UTV pumps in Rs 240 million into animation business
MUMBAI: UTV has invested approximately Rs 240 million in its animation division. The investments have gone into an animation facility with 225 workstations replete with blade render farms and Max software, at its Andheri Studio in Mumbai.
Presently the work output is for 15 movies for Direct to Home Video of some of the popular international classics of all time, plus a 52 episode TV series in addition to 20 short series. The facility operates 24X7 with a built up capacity to execute over 150 minutes of high quality animation a month in 3D.
The 25,000 square feet workstation equipped for High Definition (HD) work mainly caters to UTV’s clients in North America and Europe, states an official release.”We believe we are executing the single largest work flow out of India, presently, – and our excellence in 2D and now in 3D has been acknowledged by our growing repeat customer base from Disney and Fox to Cine Group and Saban,” says UTV COO Ronald D’Mello.
Adds UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala, “We were the pioneers in animation out of India and in the next 18 months our focus is to emerge a clear leader out of South Asia – not just for service outsourcing but origination of content. In the next 60 days we will announce two animation movies we are green lighting – primarily for Asian audiences but with appeal for a growing cross over audience too.”
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
