Goosebumps and Applause: Mascots for Kerala Cricket League Season 2 Unvelied

It was a moment to remember—goosebumps and applause filled the air at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Kanakakkunnu—as the mascots for Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 2 were officially unveiled in a spectacular launch event.

When the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) approached Toonz with the vision of rebranding KCL, we embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. For us, it was a chance to blend passion with profession, bringing our creative strengths to the world of cricket. Our team developed a comprehensive strategy document that laid the foundation for this transformation, many elements of which were adopted by KCA in shaping the new identity of KCL.

As part of this rebranding journey, Toonz took on the responsibility of designing mascots, promotional videos, as well as crafting the website and mobile app for both the Kerala Cricket League and Kerala Cricket Association.

Celebrating Tradition and Progress

We created two mascots—a male elephant and a female hornbill—rooted deeply in Kerala’s cultural and ecological heritage. The choice was intentional and symbolic. It reflects not only Kerala’s rich identity but also the evolving dynamics in sport, including the rising popularity of women’s cricket and the importance of gender representation.

The elephant mascot, inspired by the charisma of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, is a lively, endearing character. Playful and spirited, he’s also deeply righteous—always stepping up in moments of need. A passionate cricket fan, he’s ever ready to tie up his dhoti, grab a bat, and hit that match-winning six. He brings heart, humor, and heroism to the pitch.

In contrast, the hornbill mascot embodies intellect and precision. She is the strategist—sharp, composed, and always ten steps ahead. With unwavering focus and wisdom, she delivers every move with tactical brilliance, making her an unstoppable force in the game. She is fire, she is flair, and she never makes a wrong call.

Engaging the Young and the Young-at-Heart

Understanding the pulse of today’s audience, especially the younger generation, we also introduced a third character—an eccentric Chakyar, a humorous umpire figure. Armed with witty one-liners and slapstick comedy, he’s here to troll everyone—with only one rule: no one takes offence! With his iconic expressions and playful irreverence, the Chakyar adds a dose of comic relief and internet-readiness, making him a potential social media sensation.

The mascots’ names will be chosen through a fan contest on KCL’s social media platforms—an effort to engage audiences and create a sense of ownership among cricket lovers across the state.

A Night to Remember

The unveiling took place in a star studded event in the presence of KCA office-bearers and Kerala’s pride, India cricketer Sanju Samson. The event was further graced by Pan-India actress Keerthy Suresh, drawing a full house to Nishagandhi. The animated mascot reveal video was officially launched by the Hon. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, to thunderous applause.

Our CEO, P. Jayakumar, attended the event along with Rejy Jose (Senior Manager, Business Development), Sriram P Kumar (Director), and Akhila Premachandran (Manager, Corporate Communication)—representing the Toonz team behind the magic.

The highlight of the evening was watching our mascots come alive on stage, in full costume, introduced in style by the live Chakyar character. The vibrant night came to a grand finale with a high-energy performance by the Agam band, leaving the audience energized and excited for what’s to come.

At Toonz, we believe in storytelling that connects. With KCL Season 2, we’re proud to help build a brand that not only entertains but also inspires a new generation of cricket lovers in Kerala.

Jay Jagannath Rath Yatra Campaign Sees Exceptional Digital Growth

The recently concluded Jay Jagannath Rath Yatra digital campaign, run by the Toonz Digital Media team from June 6 to 30, 2025, achieved remarkable success across platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Centered around family-oriented devotional storytelling, the campaign aimed to amplify reach, engage audiences meaningfully, and bring the essence of the festival to life through digital platforms.

As part of the initiative, Toonz and ELE Animation released specially curated episodes and devotional songs, launched a digital E-book, and hosted interactive quizzes, contests, and user-generated content activities. These efforts not only celebrated the cultural significance of Rath Yatra but also created multiple touchpoints for viewers to connect, engage, and participate actively.

The results were outstanding. Instagram followers increased from 108,000 to 175,000 during the campaign period, with a nearly threefold rise in engagement. YouTube subscribers grew from 124,000 to 187,000, while total YouTube views surged from 2.8 million to 5.1 million. In the last 28 days alone, the campaign garnered over 2 crore views and brought in more than 60,000 new YouTube subscribers.

Audience participation in contests and interactive posts remained strong throughout the month, highlighting the growing appetite for culturally rooted, values-driven digital content.

The campaign stands as a testament to the power of well-planned, culturally relevant storytelling in driving digital engagement and expanding audience base. It also reflects the team's deep understanding of content strategy and their ability to execute campaigns that resonate emotionally with viewers.

Congratulations to the entire Digital Media and Content teams for delivering a campaign that not only achieved impressive numbers but also strengthened Toonz’s presence as a leading creator of meaningful, family-friendly content in the digital space.

AVGC Industry Welcomes Appointment of Nodal Officer and Engages with New IT Leadership

The AVGC sector has warmly welcomed the Kerala Government’s decision to appoint a nodal officer for the implementation of the state’s AVGC policy, as previously promised. The appointment of Mr. Sandeep Kumar IAS to this pivotal role marks a significant and positive step forward in institutionalizing support for the industry.

In a parallel development, Mr. Sambasiva Rao IAS has assumed office as the new Secretary of the Department of Electronics & IT, succeeding Mr. Rathan Khelkar IAS.

A delegation from SAIK (Society of AVGC- XR Institutes in Kerala), led by its office bearers—President P. Jayakumar (CEO, Toonz Media Group), Sarath Bhooshan (CEO, Bhooshan’s Junior) and Vice President Nikhil Chandran (CEO, Tilt Labs),—held a constructive meeting with both officials. The team briefed them on the current landscape of the AVGC sector in Kerala and outlined the expectations and support required from the government to accelerate the industry’s growth.

The meeting was marked by a shared vision for the future of the AVGC ecosystem in the state, and the industry looks forward to continued collaboration with the government in creating a robust and globally competitive creative economy.

Toonz Artist Rahul Raveendran Wins First Prize at Prathidhwani Shrishti Art Competition

We are thrilled to announce that Rahul Raveendran, Character Modelling Artist at Toonz Media Group, has won First Prize in the Cartoon Category at the Prathidhwani Shrishti Art Competition.

The award was presented at an event held in Travancore Hall, Technopark, where Rahul was felicitated for his creative excellence.

Organized by Prathidhwani—the Welfare Organization of IT Employees in Kerala—the competition is part of its ongoing efforts to promote cultural, technical, and social engagement within the IT community. Since its inception in 2012, Prathidhwani has been a catalyst for positive change in Technopark and beyond.

Rahul’s achievement is a proud moment for the Toonz family, showcasing the incredible artistic talent that thrives within our creative teams. Congratulations, Rahul!