Remembering Shaji N Karun: A Mentor, Guide, and Inspiration to Toonz

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Shaji N Karun, the renowned filmmaker and cinematographer, on April 28th, 2025. Beyond his legendary contributions to Indian cinema, Shaji N Karun held a special place in the heart of Toonz Media Group as a mentor, guide, and constant well-wisher.

Over the years, Shaji Sir stood by Toonz during our major milestones, offering his invaluable insights and support. His vision played a significant role in shaping several of our flagship initiatives, including the design and spirit of the Animation Masters Summit. His creative wisdom and encouragement have been instrumental in helping Toonz evolve into what it is today.

His passing leaves a profound void, but his words of wisdom and the inspiration he shared will continue to light the path for Toonz in the years ahead.

CEO P. Jayakumar, Manager-Operations P. K. Vijayakumar and  Senior Manager - Business Development and Partner Relations Rejy Jose paid homage on behalf of the Toonz family and attended the cremation ceremony to honor his memory.

Shaji N Karun’s legacy will remain etched in our journey — a constant reminder of the power of vision, creativity, and mentorship.

Toonz Inaugurates Second Batch of IMAGE Program at Different Art Centre, Building on the Success of a Transformative First Batch

On 22nd April 2025, Toonz Media Group marked another proud milestone in its journey of creative empowerment and social commitment with the inauguration of the second batch of the IMAGE (Inclusive Media Arts and Graphic Education) program at the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram.

The IMAGE program, developed in collaboration with DAC, provides specialized training in Graphic Design and Editing to students with neurodiverse backgrounds and varying abilities—reaffirming Toonz’s vision for a truly inclusive creative industry.

The inaugural ceremony of the second batch was graced by Ms. Usha Titus IAS, Chairperson & Managing Director of ASAP Kerala, Gopinath Muthukad, Founder of DAC, P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group, and Suriya Thomas, VP – Development at Toonz. The 20 newly selected students were warmly welcomed to begin their creative journey, under the guidance of Shemin S, who successfully led the previous cohort.

The first batch of IMAGE, also comprising 20 students, completed the program with outstanding outcomes—drawing nationwide media recognition and praise for the transformative impact it had on the students' lives. The program not only nurtured creative skills but also boosted confidence and employability, making it a model for inclusive education in the creative space.

With IMAGE, Toonz is proud to lead by example in leveraging its industry expertise to create real-world opportunities for all, regardless of limitations. Our partnership with DAC exemplifies our unwavering dedication to diversity, accessibility, and social responsibility.

As the second batch begins their training, we look forward to seeing another group of talented individuals thrive, create, and break new ground in the world of design and media.

Strengthening Creative Futures: Toonz Animation Hosts Senior Government Delegation

On April 10, Toonz Animation had the honour of hosting a high-level delegation of senior government officials who are spearheading India’s skill development initiatives. The delegation included Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE); Dr. Vasuki K IAS, Secretary, Labour & Skills, Government of Kerala; and Shri Sufiyan Ahmed IAS, Director of Employment & Training and Managing Director, KASE.

The visit reflects a growing national focus on the creative sector as a key driver of future employment and economic growth. With the global animation, VFX, and digital content industries rapidly expanding, there is a pressing need to equip the next generation with the skills required to meet international standards.

During their time at Toonz, the delegation toured our facilities, interacted with creative and production teams, and gained insights into our training pipelines, talent development strategies, and global co-production capabilities.

Toonz CEO P. Jayakumar and the leadership team presented our long-standing commitment to skill development, emphasizing our goal to bridge the gap between education and industry by fostering talent through real-world training, mentorship, and access to international projects.

The visit concluded with discussions around potential collaborations with state and central skill development initiatives, aiming to position Toonz as a strategic partner in shaping India’s creative economy.

At Toonz, we remain fully aligned with the national mission to empower youth through future-ready skills, and we’re proud to be recognized as a model for excellence in the creative industries.

Toonz Wins Big at San Diego Blue Water Film Festival

We’re proud to share some exciting news from the global stage — AquaTeam’s BIG Adventure – The Movie has won the Grand Jury Best Animated Feature Film Award at the San Diego Blue Water Film Festival.

Directed by the brilliant Riccardo Mazzoli and produced by GraFFiti Creative (Italy) in co-production with Toonz Media Group, and with the support of Rai Kids, this inspiring, ocean-saving tale has made a significant impact internationally.

The film had its television premiere on Rai YoYo on March 22, 2025, and is now available for streaming on RaiPlay, along with all five special episodes.

A heartfelt thank you to the festival jury, our dedicated co-production partners, and the incredible creative teams across Toonz and beyond. This recognition is a testament to our collaborative efforts and creative excellence.

Congratulations to everyone involved — this achievement belongs to all of you.

Society of AVGC Institutions in Kerala (SAIK) Holds Annual General Body Meeting in Kochi

The Society of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) Institutions in Kerala held its Annual General Body Meeting on 26th April in Kochi, bringing together members to celebrate a year of remarkable achievements and set the course for future growth.

The meeting was led by Mr. P. Jayakumar (President) and saw enthusiastic participation from the Executive Committee members, including Mr. Sarath Bhooshan (Secretary), Mr. Nikhil Chandran (Vice President), Mr. Mukesh (Joint Secretary), Mr. Philip Thomas, Mr. Vivek (Treasurer), Mr. Vinayan, and Mr. Sanjay Rajan. Their presence underscored the strong leadership and collaborative spirit that have driven the sector’s continued success.

Over the past year, AVGC institutions across Kerala have experienced tremendous growth and recognition, and the vibrant discussions during the meeting reflected both pride in the milestones achieved and excitement for the opportunities ahead.

Looking forward, the Society remains committed to promoting collaboration, innovation, and excellence, aiming to further strengthen Kerala’s position as a thriving hub for the AVGC industry.

Here’s to a new year of creativity, growth, and leadership in Kerala’s AVGC sector!

Toonz Academy and Rotary Club Kollam South Host Animation & VFX Workshop for Young Enthusiasts

Toonz Academy, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kollam South, conducted an engaging workshop on Animation and Visual Effects for aspiring youngsters in Kollam. The event took place on Friday, 25th April, at Bishop Jerome Hall, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

The session was led by Vinod A.S., Vice President – Academics, Toonz Media Group, and aimed to provide students and young creatives with much-needed exposure to the dynamic world of animation and visual effects. With many youth drawn to this exciting field but hesitant to explore it due to lack of guidance and understanding, the workshop served as a bridge—offering clarity, encouragement, and practical insights.

Participants had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with animation and VFX tools, along with a deeper understanding of the industry, its vast scope, and its growing relevance in today's digital age. In addition, all attendees have been invited to visit the Toonz Studio, where they will get an up-close view of the animation production process in action.

Organized under the aegis of the Rotary Club, the initiative was warmly received by participants and organizers alike. Rotary Club representatives expressed confidence that such sessions can inspire and empower many hesitant but passionate youngsters to take their first step into a promising creative career.