Adding another leg to their localisation drive, The Walt Disney Company (India) has acquired the rights from Sahara One Motion Pictures through their assignee Percept Picture Company (PPC) to showcase Hanuman.
The exact amount paid for the movie could not be ascertained. However, according to industry sources, the rights were bought by Walt Disney for “something in the region of Rs 5 – Rs 10 million.”
The movie, which released late last year, will be shown on the Disney Channel in eight episodes. The deal is for a period of three years and is not for a single airing. Hence the channel will be having multiple airings through the three year time span.
This tie-up marks the first-ever mini-series presentation of this trend-setting local animation feature on any TV channel.
Walt Disney Television-International India director programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya said, “Showcasing great local content is an important pillar of our localisation strategy. Hanuman boasts of a truly superlative story with splendid animation featuring an Indian superhero from mythological tales that every Indian kid has been brought up on. The title showcases values like friendship, family, fun and righteousness, demonstrating a perfect match with Disney brand values. We are extremely excited to bring Hanuman as a mini-series for the first time ever on Indian television screens exclusively for Disney Channel viewers.”
“The title is an inspirational yet action packed treat that contemporary Indian kids can enjoy with their parents. Showcasing the title as episodes on Disney Channel will propel our strong local content offerings to the next level,” he added.
Pantvaidya also informed that in the future, Disney was looking at acquiring at least a couple of local blockbusters every year.