Kids
Disney to kick off Disney Junior block in February
MUMBAI: In February 2011, kids broadcaster Disney Channel will debut Disney Junior, a new multiplatform brand devoted to children aged 2-7 and their families globally.
Disney Junior will invite parents and grandparents to join their children in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, both classic and new, while incorporating specific learning and developmental themes.
New series that will air include Jake and the Never Land Pirates, an animated adventure combining new and classic Disney characters Captain Hook and Smee (“Peter Pan”); a series of Disney Poetry Shorts which showcases poems for children set against classic Disney animation.
There will also be two short form series, Mickey Mousekersize and Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps, to encourage healthy lifestyles for preschoolers and families. Babar and the Adventures of Badou will be an updated version of Babar. The show will introduce King Babar‘s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville.
Tinga Tinga Tales is an animated adventure inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania. Playhouse Disney shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny will also be part of Disney Junior.
Disney Channels Worldwide president Carolina Lightcap said, “Disney Junior differentiates itself by placing a focus on story and character, the hallmarks of Disney since its inception. We‘ll take memories of the Disney experience, held by generations of parents and kids, and bring them to life on TV and beyond, with elements that encourage early childhood learning, wrapped in strong emotionally connected storytelling.
“We will showcase classic Disney characters in new ways, and we are equally committed to creating new original characters that we hope will become the classics of the future.”
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.
