Nikhil Pran Archives -

Toonz Media joins hands with Planet Superheroes for ‘Chacha Chaudhary’ branded goodies

“Tu janta nahi mera chacha kaun hai!!” When your Chacha is a
superhero, you have the luxury to flaunt that kind of swag! Toonz Media Group and Planet Superheroes are now letting you do just that with a chic new array of Chacha Chaudhary branded products. Toonz, the exclusive merchandising and distribution license holders of the Chacha Chaudhary animated series, has teamed up with Planet Superheroes to bring
Chacha branded products to fans across the country.

Toonz had championed the adaptation of cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma’s legendary comic super hero into an animated series last year. The animation production company has already launched two seasons of the Chacha Chaudhary series on Disney Kids channels as well as Disney+ Hotstar VIP OTT platform.

With this new tie-up, Toonz plans to bring India’s favourite superhero closer to the fan-base. Planet Superheroes (PSH) is among the top 10 e-commerce destinations for pop culture and comic brands. Chacha Chaudhary merchandising products launched by PSH will be available
on all PSH stores across India as well as on leading online stores.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Planet Superheroes for the Chacha Chaudhary brand. Chacha is an iconic character, with a strong emotional connect among the Indian fan base. For Toonz, this partnership is another step towards making Chacha Chaudhary the number one animation IP from India,” said Toonz Media Group CEO P. Jayakumar.

Toonz Media Group’s L&M partner Brand Monk Licensing, that
manages Chacha Chaudhary and other L&M assets of Toonz globally, closed the deal with Planet Superheroes for Toonz.

“We are pleased to partner with Toonz Media and Brand Monk to bring Chacha Chaudhary merchandise to its fans. We are proud to partner with 100 per cent made in India intellectual property and hope many more successful characters emerge from India,” said Planet Superheroes CEO Jaineel Aga.

Chacha Chaudhary has today grown into a 360 degree brand with more than 500 titles published, more than 10 million books sold in five languages, massive exposure through 35 newspapers in ten languages and best selling Digital comics on Amazon’s Kindle and Google Play platform.

Chacha’s merchandise was released to the young and adults fans earlier this year. The branded products now available via Planet Superheroes will focus on the adult category for now and expand to kids merchandising products later this year. Toonz acquired its rights for Chacha Chaudhary from copyright owners of the IP Pran’s Features through Media Guru Consultants, who represent a bouquet of certain rights related to the
original Chacha Chaudhary.

“Chacha Chaudhary cartoon has been loved and enjoyed by readers since 1960. We are committed in growing the brand for a larger audience. I congratulate Toonz for recreating the iconic cartoon in animation and now with merchandising through Planet Superheroes, fans can enjoy a more personalised experience with the brand,” said Pran’s Features CEO, creator and copyright owner of Chacha Chaudhary Nikhil Pran.
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Chacha Chaudhary will be entering its 50th year in 2021. A slew of branding and publicity activities are being planned to celebrate the occasion and bring the brand closer to younger audience, building on the popularity of the Chacha Chaudhary animated series.

‘Chacha Chaudhary’ debuts on Disney+ Hotstar VIP

After its success on Disney Kids channels in India, Toonz Media Group has now signed an exclusive deal for Chacha Chaudhary series with Disney+ Hotstar VIP, introducing the iconic Indian cartoon hero on the OTT platform for the first time.

Meanwhile, the second season of the series will also be aired on the Disney Kids Channels in India, following the reception garnered from children across the country for season one. Production has begun for new episodes of the show, which will include 52 episodes of 11 minutes and will be aired across Disney Kids Channels network in India, besides the Disney+ Hotstar VIP platform.

“We are really excited about Chacha Chaudhary boarding the OTT platform for the first time which will give an opportunity for the complete family to relive, entertain and engage with Chacha and Sabu. And to have Disney+ Hotstar VIP as our OTT partner for the series is like the icing on the cake. Toonz’s relationship with Disney goes back many years, and this partnership has reinforced it further,” said Toonz Media Group CEO P. Jayakumar.

The Indian comic superhero, Chacha Chaudhary, who has entertained generations of readers, has been an integral part of India’s pop culture since it was first created by cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma in 1971. The adaptation of the comic book into an animated series was championed by Toonz, with the vision to develop Chacha as the number one animation IP from India. Season one of the series was launched on Disney in June 2019 following an exclusive TV deal with Toonz.

Besides its success on the small screen, Chacha Chaudhary has today grown into a 360 degree brand with more than 500 titles published, 250,000 books sold to date, comics published in five languages, exposure through 35 newspapers in ten languages and free e-comics on Google’s free wifi in 100 railway stations across India in 18 languages.

Chacha’s merchandise was released to the young and adults fans earlier this year and the kids merchandise is expected to launch in market by late 2020. Chacha’s core Indian values with mental strength should be good inspiration for kids and whole family at these times.

“Chacha Chaudhary has always been related to solving problems when someone is in trouble. Readers have read and enjoyed its comics since 1960. Toonz has recreated the iconic cartoon in animation. Chacha Chaudhary series being telecasted on Disney+Hotstar OTT platform is a new beginning. Now kids can watch their favourite show anywhere and anytime,” said Pran’s Features CEO Nikhil Pran.

Although primarily a nostalgic, growing-up staple for the pre-millennial generation, Toonz has taken special care to make the animated adaptation of Chacha Chaudhary relevant for the millennial audience as well. For this, subtle tweaks were made to the show, like the introduction of a new character – Pappu Pendrive – who is a gadget freak. The highlight of the series, however, remains its focus on the themes of problem solving, adventure, humour and reinforcing the message of good over evil.

Anushka Sharma’s brand, NUSH to bring back nostalgia with ‘Chacha Chaudhary’ merchandise

The cult of Chacha Chaudhary is now making its way to the fashion industry with superstar entrepreneur Anushka Sharma. The iconic comic hero Chacha Chaudhary and his giant companion Sabu will be seen on the new quirky collection of NUSH – an apparel brand by Sharma.

Speaking on the launch of the collection, NUSH founder Sharma said, “I used to read Chacha Chaudhary throughout my school days. I remember getting lost in the world of the Chacha and his partner Sabu, who used to solve such interesting cases, every single day. I want to bring back the cult nostalgia of the 90s and present it in the most pop culture way through fashion. Before there was computer, there was our Indian detective Chacha Chaudhary whose brain was sharper than a needle and faster than a computer! I want this collection to relive his genius. Homegrown comics and such heroes were an essential part of any child’s growing up years in India in the 90s and we want to present this to the world and relive the coolness of the era gone by. I am very happy to welcome Chacha Chaudhary into the Nush family.”

The contemporary and chic designs of the new collection aim to bring back childhood memories from the 90’s. This line will be available on all leading online shopping websites and stores.Diamond Toons director Manish Verma said, “Chacha Chaudhary, being an all-rounder has been found relevantly connected to almost all aspects of our lives with fantastic satire and sense of humour. Not leaving behind fashion which is the major facet for today’s generation, this collaboration between NUSH and Chacha Chaudhary will be a step ahead in making a strong connect with his massive fan following be it eight or 80 years of age.”

Chacha Chaudhary is not limiting himself to comics only but is now reaching people’s wardrobe too. He was a part of the superstar’s childhood too and she is showing her love for the character by bringing this new line of clothes.

“Pran’s Features is pleased to associate with Nush to bring Chacha Chaudhary merchandise in India. We all have grown up reading comics where Chacha Chaudhary uses his brain to solve the problem. The classic character is in everybody’s childhood memory and has touched the emotions of millions of people across the country,” said Pran Features CEO Nikhil Pran.

Unlike present fictional superhero characters Chacha Chaudhary do not have a muscular physique with unrealistic extraordinary superpowers. Unforeseen humour in each episode has made the comic and the character a favourite among all ages.

Toonz Media to recreate Chacha Chaudhary through an animated series

Created by the renowned Padma Shri cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma, the forever unforgettable Indian comic book character Chacha Chaudhary is going to be recreated into an animated series.

Produced by Toonz Media Group in collaboration with Pran’s Features, the series will be in English with 26 episodes of 22 minutes each which will be broadcasted in national and international platforms. Toonz will also distribute it worldwide with Zamoza Brands on board to handle the licensing and merchandising rights.

Chacha Chaudhary also known as ‘the Tintin of India’ is equally liked by both children and adults. The bestseller comic of Pran’s Features dates back to the 1960s and Toonz media is ready to take it to the next level through an animated series. Familiarising the present generation to such an incredible realistic character led to the decision of recreating the comic, said Toonz Media Group CEO P. Jayakumar.

Pran’s all-time favourite comic book Chacha Choudhary is rooted in India and follows the wise man who solves problems with his exceptional intellect. He is accompanied by his friend ‘Sabu’ an inhabitant of the planet Jupiter. The combination of intellect and strength makes everything possible for both of them, just like it is said in the comic- “Chacha Chaudhary’s brain works faster than a computer and when Sabu gets angry a volcano erupts somewhere”. The other interesting characters include Bini- Chacha Chaudhary’s wife; Rocket-the dog; and Dag – Dag-an old truck.

Pran Features CEO Nikhil Pran added on the recreation, “Our readers who have loved reading Chacha Chaudhary comics since 1960 will now be able to enjoy the animation series. Toonz Animation has taken it to the next level of entertainment for our younger audience who will enjoy the new adventures series of Chacha Chaudhary in animation. Zamoza with its expertise in Merchandising will bring out various products based on Chacha Chaudhary merchandise. Chacha Chaudhary a legendary Indian cartoon character will live the dreams of kids.

(L-R) P Jayakumar, Nikhil Pran and Rohit Sobti

“Chacha Choudhary is the first common man superhero and one of the most iconic brands of India. Every Indian young adult relates to Chacha Chaudhary. We have an opportunity to offer product and experiences to the super fans. We as a team are really excited about the possibilities with Chacha’s Licensing program for Youth and Kids,” Zamoza CEO Rohit Sobti noted.