Kids
UTV-Sun JV talks: Channels to get Sun branding
MUMBAI: The final word on the joint venture deal between UTV and Sun Network for the launch of a Tamil and Telugu kids channel is not out yet. But, according to the talks, the channels will operate under the Sun brand. “As per the discussions, there will be no co-branding of the channels. It will carry the Sun brand. The interest shown is initially for the launch of two kids channels in the Tamil and Telugu languages,” says a source familiar with the negotiations. |
According to the talks, UTV will keep the advertising revenues while Sun will enjoy the distribution earnings. The spill over revenues after a prescribed limit will be shared by both the partners. UTV will invest in the programming and marketing of the channel. The distribution of the channel will be handled by Sun, which runs a cable network in Tamil Nadu called SCV. “The functioning of the kids‘ channels will be similar in arrangement to the Sun Network channels. While Sun sells slots to different producers, in case of the kids‘ channels UTV will take care of the entire content and marketing,” the source says. Sun Network, which has channels in the general entertainment, movies and music space, does not operate any kids‘ channels. If the deal sails through, Sun will get into the kids‘ genre without making any investment on content. “Being a dominant player in South India, only Sun can get into such deals,” says an industry observer. For UTV, the deal will put it in partnership with the biggest broadcasting company in South India. The distribution of the Tamil language channel will be assured as SCV is the dominant cable network in the state. Though Sun Group has almost no cable presence in Andhra Pradesh, UTV can use cross-promotion on the network‘s Gemini TV to popularise the kids‘ channel. UTV, in fact, wants to sew up a deal that will enable it to spread across the four south-language states with Sun, the source said. UTV, along with promoter Ronnie Screwvala, already runs a Hindi kids channel, Hungama TV. United Home Entertainment is the company that owns and operates Hungama TV. The talks between UTV and Sun Network are, however, still inconclusive. “There is no conclusive agreement yet. The deal structure could also change as the talks progress,” the source said. |
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.
