Newswire

Toonz Media Group Explores New Horizons in Anime Production with 1st PLACE Partnership

Toonz Media Group is venturing into the world of anime through an exciting new partnership with Japan-based creative powerhouse 1st PLACE, Co., Ltd. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding Toonz’s reach and capabilities in anime production, opening doors to fresh opportunities in the global entertainment space.

With anime experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand across streaming platforms, gaming, and media, this partnership allows Toonz to explore new creative possibilities while leveraging its 25-year legacy of animation excellence. By joining forces with 1st PLACE, a leader in cutting-edge anime storytelling, music, and design, Toonz is set to bring high-quality, authentic anime productions to the world.

As Japan faces a talent crunch in anime production, this partnership provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap and contribute to the industry’s growth. By integrating Toonz’s world-class infrastructure with 1st PLACE’s expertise, we aim to expand our presence in the anime sector while ensuring artistic integrity and innovation remain at the forefront.

This collaboration underscores Toonz’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and embracing new frontiers. By blending our strengths with 1st PLACE’s visionary storytelling, we are excited to explore and shape the future of anime production on a global scale.

CID Squad Premieres on Sony YAY! – Toonz Media Group’s Latest Animated Thriller

Toonz Media Group is proud to announce that CID Squad, India’s first animated crime thriller, has officially premiered on Sony YAY! from March 17. Inspired by the legendary CID franchise, this action-packed series brings a fresh, dynamic take on detective storytelling for audiences of all ages.

CID Squad follows a team of young detectives tackling high-stakes cases using intelligence, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology. With mystery, adventure, and humor seamlessly woven together, the show delivers a thrilling and engaging experience for families across India.

As a key co-production partner, Toonz continues to shape India’s animation landscape, reimagining iconic CID characters like Inspector Pradyuman, Daya, Abhijit, Fredricks, and Salunke in their dynamic teenage avatars. This innovative approach breathes new life into the beloved franchise while expanding its appeal to a broader audience.

Available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bangla, CID Squad sets a new benchmark in Indian animation, ensuring accessibility for diverse viewers.

P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group, stated: “With CID Squad, we are redefining animated crime storytelling. Its engaging characters, universal themes, and thrilling narratives will captivate audiences not just in India but globally. This marks another proud milestone for Toonz as we push the boundaries of animation.”

With CID Squad now airing, Toonz Media Group reaffirms its leadership in premium animation. 

We Partner with Jay@Play to Launch Exciting New CGI-Animated Series – Hangry Petz

Thiruvananthapuram – We are excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Jay@Play to bring Hangry Petz to life, a fresh and dynamic CGI-animated series designed for digital platforms. This partnership combines our expertise in animation with Jay@Play’s innovative toy creations to create an engaging entertainment experience.

The series features 26 bite-sized episodes of three minutes each, packed with humor, adventure, and high-energy storytelling. Hangry Petz is built on a universally relatable concept:

Hungry + Angry = HANGRY x Animals = HANGRY PETZ

With Jay@Play’s popular line of stuffed toys and a viral social media campaign, audiences worldwide are ready for the hilarious antics of Hangry Petz.

Leading the mischief is Bella, a clever house cat and mastermind of every food heist, running the Hangry Petz Hangout. She’s joined by Charlie Bulldog, a tech-savvy scout for the next big adventure, and Rogue, the Hangry Petz Pizza Monster, an unpredictable force of chaos who almost turns invisible—except for his glowing eyes and massive presence.

With bold animation, expressive characters, and humorous storytelling, Hangry Petz is a testament to our commitment to digital-first content. Designed for modern audiences, the series will engage viewers across social media and streaming platforms with non-stop fun.

Stay tuned for the launch of Hangry Petz and get ready for a food-fuelled adventure like no other!

Gaumont Animation & En Animation Team Visits Toonz Studio, Explores Kerala’s Beauty & Flavors

Toonz Media Group had the pleasure of hosting our esteemed co-production partners from Gaumont Animation (France) and En Animation (Italy) for an inspiring studio visit, marking a key milestone in our collaboration on the much-anticipated animated project, Tiny Head.

We were delighted to welcome Terry Kalagian (Head of Animation, Gaumont), Mickaël Carton (Head of Production, Gaumont), Producer Yohanne, and Simone (Technical Head, En Animation, Italy) as they engaged in detailed creative discussions and production reviews with the Toonz team. The visit was filled with insightful exchanges, brainstorming sessions, and a shared enthusiasm for bringing Tiny Head to life.

It wasn’t all business! Our guests also got to experience the cultural and scenic beauty of Kerala. They embarked on a relaxing houseboat cruise through the tranquil Ashtamudi Lake, taking in the lush landscapes and peaceful backwaters. The experience offered the perfect blend of serenity, camaraderie, and inspiration, strengthening creative bonds beyond the studio.

No visit to Kerala is complete without indulging in its rich cuisine! Our guests enjoyed an authentic spread of traditional Kerala delicacies, immersing themselves in the region’s vibrant culinary heritage.

The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Toonz, Gaumont Animation, and En Animation, seamlessly blending work, culture, and creative synergy. As we continue forward with Tiny Head, we are excited to bring this ambitious project to life, delivering a world-class animated series for global audiences.

Toonz Media Group Shines at Bengaluru GAFX 2025

At the recent Bengaluru GAFX 2025, Toonz Media Group's CEO, P. Jayakumar, played a pivotal role in showcasing the company's innovative projects and contributions to the animation industry.

In collaboration with Studio Eeksaurus, Jayakumar co-presented the musical short film Croak Show. Inspired during the COVID-19 lockdown by nocturnal sounds of frogs, toads, and insects, the film uniquely blends Indian classical music with animation, offering audiences a distinctive auditory and visual experience.

Our CEO also introduced the animated series Jay Jagannath (52×11”), developed in partnership with Ele Animation. This series aims to bring lesser-known stories of Lord Jagannath to a wider audience, making these rich narratives more accessible through animation.

These presentations at GAFX 2025 underscore Toonz Media Group's commitment to innovative storytelling and its leadership in the animation industry.

Toonz Media Group Celebrates Women’s Day with Joy and Togetherness

Women’s Day at Toonz Media Group was celebrated with excitement, bringing the team together for a day of appreciation, camaraderie, and fun. The office was filled with enthusiasm as everyone dressed in shades of blue, symbolizing unity and strength.

The celebration kicked off with a cake-cutting ceremony, honoring the incredible women of Toonz and their contributions. The team then gathered for a special biryani lunch, sharing laughter and conversations over a delicious meal. To capture the spirit of the day, everyone posed for a memorable group photo, marking the occasion with smiles and gratitude.

The event was a testament to Toonz’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and celebratory workplace culture. Here’s to the amazing women of Toonz and many more such moments of togetherness!

Toonz Cricket Team: A Winning Spirit Beyond the Scoreboard!

The Toonz Cricket Team showcased an incredible performance in the recent corporate tournament, proving once again that teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship define true champions! Led by Captain Rajesh Lathi and Vice-Captain Sajeev, our spirited squad stormed through the group stages, winning three consecutive matches and securing a spot in the knockout round.

With stellar performances from Akhil Raj, Krishnaduthan, Vishnu V, Sandeep, Anak Vijay, Mithun, Thomaskutty, Abhijith, Sooraj, Sunder, Aneesh Narayanankutty, and Vishnu Bilal, the team displayed exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. Although the knockout match against Allianz didn’t go in our favor, the team’s fighting spirit and passion for the game won the hearts of everyone watching.

Every player stepped up, delivering thrilling moments, breathtaking catches, and powerful strokes that left a lasting impression. Their journey through the tournament was a testament to hard work and unity, making us all proud to be part of the Toonz family.

A huge round of applause to our cricket warriors! You may not have lifted the trophy this time, but you’ve lifted our spirits and inspired us all. Onward and upward, Team Toonz!

Baby Toonz Crosses 1.2 Billion Views – A Global Milestone for Toonz Media Group

Toonz Media Group is celebrating a remarkable achievement as Baby Toonz, its flagship digital IP for preschoolers, surpasses 1.2 billion views across digital platforms! This milestone reaffirms Baby Toonz’s global appeal and its growing popularity among young audiences worldwide.

Featuring engaging, educational, and entertaining content tailored for preschoolers, Baby Toonz has carved out a niche in the digital space, captivating children with its vibrant animation and meaningful storytelling. The series has successfully built a strong fan base across YouTube and other streaming platforms, reinforcing Toonz’s position as a leader in kids' content.

This achievement underscores Toonz Media Group’s commitment to creating high-quality, age-appropriate content that resonates with audiences across cultures. With Baby Toonz continuing to gain traction, Toonz remains dedicated to expanding its reach, delivering enriching experiences to children globally.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as Baby Toonz continues to grow and entertain millions!