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In a first, a Bollywood character is set get an animated version. Cartoon Network has partnered Rakesh Roshan’s Film Kraft Productions and Toonz Animation to create four animated movie sequels based on Bollywood superhero Krrish. The film, also called Krrish, would be leveraged onto the kids entertainment channel through animated spin-off movies.
Earlier, an animation series was conceptualised on television character Shaktimaan, while a video game featured the character G.One (played by Shah Rukh Khan in Ra.One). A series of four films (based on Krrish) would be made between 2013 and 2014. The first, titled Kid Krrish, would be aired on Cartoon Network on July 14.
Siddharth Jain, managing director (South Asia), Turner International India, said, “We have always believed in investing in great innovative and entertaining content. We have always been pushing the boundaries. Cartoon Network will now be home to Bollywood’s biggest superhero in a whole new animated avatar. The Krrish franchise has been very well received by kids across the country and we are certain they would be enthralled and excited to watch this adaptation of their superhero on Cartoon Network.”
“Local programming is a game changer and we believe it always relates to the local audiences. On our other kids channel, Pogo, we have Chhota Bheem, the leader in the genre,” he added.
The timing of the animated series is crucial for filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who is set to release Krrish 3 during Diwali. Roshan, the director of Film Kraft Productions, said, “Since Krrish 3 will be ready for release this Diwali, I wanted to revive the memory of Krrish with children and the new generation, who might not have seen Koi Mil Gaya or Krrish. I am happy to have collaborated with Turner and Toonz Animation to make this first-of-its-kind animated film series, where a live action film is adapted to make an animated television series.”
“The animated Krrish franchise has fun films that are guaranteed to be a visual treat with mass appeal. It is not every day 11-year-old get to be superheroes! We are thrilled to partner Roshan and Cartoon Network. This is a huge milestone, as far as Toonz Animation is concerned,” said P Jayakumar, chief executive, Toonz Animation India.
