Kids
Disney, Yash Raj in 50:50 venture for animated films; ‘Roadside Romeo’ first project
MUMBAI: Walt Disney Studios has entered into an exclusive deal with Yash Raj Films to co-produce a series of animated feature films in India. The alliance is set to kick off with its first production, a computer-animated movie titled Roadside Romeo, slated for release in the summer of 2008.
Yash Raj Films and Walt Disney will contribute equally to the funding of the movies. “This is the first time that we are partnering for animated feature films outside the US. We see India as a key strategic market for us. We decided to go with Yash Raj because they are the leading film production house and have a local understanding of the culture, music and story,” said Walt Disney Motion Pictures president Mark Zoradi while addressing the press in Mumbai.
With this agreement, India’s top Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) will foray into animation. “When YRF decided to venture into the animation space, we felt that an alliance with Disney Studios, the leader in animation, represented the coming together of not just two organizations, but the teaming up of like-minded individuals committed to creating excellent product,” said YRF founder-promoter Yash Chopra.
The partnership kicks off with animated content but Zoradi stated that it could extend to other alliances. He, however, clarified that the current agreement was restricted to animation. “We are presently looking at releasing one animated movie per year,” he added, while refusing to divulge the financial details of the venture.
Roadside Romeo, the journey of a “rich cool spoilt brat of a dog” stranded in the city of Mumbai, is written and directed by Jugal Hansraj and Bollywood stars including Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Javed Jaffery will lend their voices to the main characters of the film.
The animation work in the film will be executed by Tata Elxsi. “The film will have the typical characteristics of a Yash Raj Film with songs, dance, drama, comedy and romance,” says Chopra.
Roadside Romeo will be dubbed in local Indian languages. The weight and resources of the two companies will be pooled into the creative, technical and financial aspects of the film as well as the marketing and distribution in India and abroad.
“Animation is a new and rapidly expanding area in India, and the collaboration between Disney and YRF Studios will bring the very best in story-telling and cutting edge technology together as we make wonderful films that appeal to the entire family,” said The Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook, making his first visit to India.
Each film under this alliance will be creatively overseen by Aditya Chopra. “We produce six live action movies a year. We are now foraying into animation as we see the market growing from $40 million to three times its size by 2011,” said Yash Raj Films chief executive Sanjeev Kohli.
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!
