Our rating: Theek thaak 🤷♂️ = passable
(4 more Phenyl shots ☠️ = unbearable; 90-min power nap 😴 = bad; Theek thaak 🤷♂️ = passable; Maza aaya 👌 = good; Thoko taali 👏 = great; Koi seekhiye inse 🤩 = brilliant)
Shin-Ei Animation and TV Asahi have returned with a brand new Shinchan movie, Shinchan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India. This film, released especially for the local audiences in India, takes the beloved mischief-maker on a journey through the country blending cultural flair with classic Shinchan hilarity. The film marks the first theatrical release of any Shinchan movie in India.
The film begins with the Kasukabe defense team winning a dance competition in Japan and getting selected to perform at India’s biggest entertainment festival. Shin-chan along with his family, friends and the principal of the Futaba kindergarten school visit India together. But what begins as a dazzling cultural adventure quickly spirals into chaos when Shinchan’s friend Bo-chan stumbles upon a nose-shaped backpack, from which he finds tissue papers. The moment he uses one tissue to stop his runny nose, a dormant, tyrannical power awakens within him, one that threatens to disrupt not just their trip, but the entire festival. As things begin to spiral out of control, Shinchan and his friends must navigate unexpected twists, uncover the truth behind Bo-chan’s strange transformation, and find a way to bring back the joy of their journey.
With the story unfolding in India, a few new local characters: Ariana, Kabir, and Dil, join the group, adding fresh perspectives and helping shape the group’s journey. Ariana, a talented dancer who won the same competition the previous year, plays a key role in helping Shinchan and his friends fight against the evil tyrant that Bo-chan has transformed into. Kabir and Dil are two brothers from the Indian forces who investigate the secrets from the paranormal world and are on a mission to uncover the truth of the nose-shaped backpack and the tissue papers. Kabir and Dil resemble the characters of actors Ram Charan and NTR Jr. from the blockbuster film RRR.
The film unfolds without an intermission, but seems a little fast in the beginning as it does not cover the essence of the dance competition but directly shows the team winning and then them landing in India. While the narrative moves swiftly, the filmmakers make a clear effort to evoke the spirit of India through cultural references and language, with characters frequently using phrases like “Namaste” and “Dhanyawad.” Embracing India’s rich association with music and dance, the story takes a lively turn when the characters channel their energy by shouting “India Power” and breaking into song, using rhythm and unity as their strength against the unfolding threat.
The plot offers a fresh and engaging experience for younger audiences, with children in the theatre visibly immersed and enjoying every moment. Visually, the animation continues to evolve, showing noticeable improvements since Shinchan first aired in India back in 2006.
This film marks the franchise’s first real attempt to embrace Indian culture, venturing into new territory with enthusiasm and creativity. While the effort to capture the essence of India is evident through language, visuals, and musical cues there are moments where the representation leans into familiar tropes, which may feel a bit stereotypical. That said, it’s a promising step forward, and can be used as a base for the future installments which could be more meaningful.
The film is directed by Masakazu Hashimoto (Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!, Crayon Shinchan: Honeymoon Hurricane ~The Lost Hiroshi~) and is produced by Japanese companies such as Shin-Ei Animation, TV Asahi, ADK Emotions, and Futabasha.
Shinchan Our Dinosaur Diary is another film from the Shinchan universe that will be released in the Indian theatres. This film was scheduled to premiere before Shinchan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India, but now has been postponed and the new release date is yet to be announced.
Shinchan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India will be released in the Indian theatres on 26 September 2025 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
