Kids
Virgin Comics launches series based on ‘Panchatantra’
MUMBAI: Virgin Comics announced today the launch of Panchatantra: The Tall Tales of Vishnu Sharma (Tall Tales), a new comic book series inspired by India‘s ancient Panchatantra fables.
“The young Indian creators behind this series stand at the forefront of redefining a new golden age in Indian storytelling and shifting the country from being an outsourcer to being the source,” said Virgin Animation and Virgin Comics co founder and CEO Sharad Devarajan.
In Virgin‘s new monthly magazine, a nefarious multinational conglomerate is deliberately silencing the mythologies of yesterday. In an effort to stop the erasing of old fables, the characters from the Panchatantra myths emerge from their story-world into modern India to recruit the living descendent of the man who originally created them, a teenage Mumbai native, named Vishnu Sharma. In young Vishnu, they find a teenager consumed with iPods, cell phones, video games and modern entertainment – not exactly the champion of ancient stories they were hoping for.
“Tall Tales, as much as anything we have created at Virgin Comics, speaks to the innovative emergence of our creators. This is a story that is directly relevant to them and the rapidly changing and globalising times in which they live, a true allegory for what old cultures are facing while mass media prospers,” commented Virgin Comics chief creative officer Gotham Chopra.
The comic book series is being written by leading Indian fantasy and comic book writer, Samit Basu and illustrated by Ashish Padlekar.
The series, which was launched today at comic book stores in North America is priced at $ 2.99, is also available online as a digital comic starting next week at www.virgincomics.com.
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!
