Kids
Hungama topples Nick to become No. 1 in HSM
MUMBAI: After stability at the top for four months, there is disruption again. Hungama TV, the kids channel acquired by Disney, has knocked out Nick from the top spot in the Hindi speaking market (HSM).
According to the latest Tam data (C&S 4-14, HSM), the ‘mad‘ comedy channel has added eight points to pocket 119 GRPs for the week ended 22 August. Nick, on the other hand, has tumbled 15 points to end the week with 99 GRPs.
Ever since late April, Nick has been sitting at the top in the Hindi belt after dislodging market leader Cartoon Network, barring one week (ended 10 May) when Hungama TV raced ahead.
Hungama, which was dislodged from its leadership position by Cartoon Network in August 2008, has ended with a channel share of 26 per cent for the week ended 22 August. Nick has lost two grades to enjoy a channel share of 21 per cent.
So what has helped Hungama rebound in the HSM space?
“A strong positioning effort around the mad fun spirit,” says Walt Disney Television International India senior vice president and managing director Antoine Villeneuve. “This has been supported by a lot of on-air initiatives like for instance the introduction of the programming bands which are extremely popular with kids (Fun Gas, Trouble Soda and Dum Powder), by the presence of Hungama stars (Shin Chan, Doraemon and Kiteretsu) and bolstered with a programming grid which follows the kids habits and tastes.”
So does Hungama‘s win in the HSM market pose a threat to Nick‘s position at the top?
Counters Nick India SVP and GM Nina Elavia Jaipuria, “Not really. We are more of a proactive than a reactive channel. The kids‘ space is getting dynamic by the day and with new leaders, it only gives rise to more healthy competition. Today viewers are king and it is a challenge for us to create and maintain space in their minds.”
Cartoon Network, the All-India market leader, is now at the third spot in the HSM space, commanding a share of 93 GRPs for the week. The channel, however, continues to maintain an average channel share of 20 per cent.
Interestingly, in the All-India market, Cartoon Network is sharing its leadership position with Hungama with a GRP of 87 and a channel share of 22 for the week ended 22 August.
But Turner is not disturbed at what it calls aberrations. Explains Turner International India VP and deputy general manager – entertainment networks Suth Asia Monica Tata, “Turner‘s long term vision and strategy for India has paid rich dividends making Cartoon Network and Pogo the most viewed and loved brands amongst kids in India. Not only kids, but parents too give the highest endorsement to these two networks as their choice networks for kids (per new generations 2008). Besides, we also enjoy the lion‘s share of the advertising pie. Increased competition has not outstayed us from our leadership position in the last 13 years and that‘s a merit / result of our focus on the long-term rather than short-term measures and gains and a proof that we know and service our consumers best amongst all.”
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.
