Onam Mood at Toonz

Onam vibes are always best enjoyed at Toonz, and this year was no different. The air was filled with laughter, the fragrance of flowers, and hearts brimming with festive spirit. The office came alive with vibrant floral decorations, with Sajeev from the 2D Production team leading the show. As always, the Athapookkalam was a breathtaking visual delight.

The celebrations began with the majestic entry of Maveli, accompanied by the spirited cries of “Arrpo” and “Erro.” The entire floor radiated energy, with Toonzians dressed in their traditional best, making the atmosphere truly electrifying.

The festivities were officially inaugurated by P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group, who lit the ceremonial lamp and delivered his Onam message. He reminded everyone that Mahabali’s reign stood as a symbol of equality and togetherness, and that Onam continues to be a celebration of unity and harmony.

The stage then came alive with delightful performances. Our graceful Malayali Mangas -Aruna Lama, Madhumita, Lavanya, Rajalekshmi, Devapriya, Jerusha, Gowry, and Aparna set a beautiful cultural tone with a traditional Thiruvathira. Philip, Tony, and their team filled the air with soulful Onam songs, while Shyraj, Ramesh, and Ajith took the performance to another level of musical magic.

A cinematic dance performance by Akhila, Babitha, Veena, Anuja Anil, Anuja Balan, and Nirmala began with deep cultural roots and seamlessly transitioned into a lively, peppy number. Lavanya and Rajalakshmi lit up the stage with a vibrant mash-up, while Daniel’s Vanchippattu had everyone clapping and swaying to the rhythm.

In the much-awaited Malayali Manka and Kerala Sreeman contest, Swathy from 3D Production and Ramesh from Toonz Academy emerged as the proud winners, bringing cheers and applause from all.

The celebrations reached their high point at the Nila portico with the thunderous Singari Melam, where the entire Toonz family gathered to dance joyously to the pulsating beats of chenda, thakil, and elathalam. This was followed by a surprise flash mob. Aarif, Azad, Sarath, Joshim, Jishin, Abhilash, Saran, Aswin, Adhithyan, Adhithyan, Arjun, Arjun, Gopi, Abhijith, Vyshak, Yukesh, Justin, Devapriya, Krishnendhu, Pooja, Gouri, Lasya, Aparna, Kalyani, Midhula and Vyshnavi set the floor ablaze with their energy and synchronized moves, creating unforgettable memories.

The day concluded with a grand Onam Sadya, where Toonzians came together not just to share a sumptuous feast, but also the joy of friendship, unity, and togetherness.

It was yet another unforgettable Onam at Toonz—filled with color, culture, camaraderie, and the true spirit of Mahabali.

A Historic Honour: Mohanlal Wins the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Malayalam cinema is celebrating a proud and historic moment as its most beloved icon, Mohanlal, has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. This honour is not just for one actor but for the entire Malayalam film industry, which has found in Mohanlal its finest ambassador. Spanning more than four decades and over 350 films, his career stands as a monumental contribution to Indian cinema.

Mohanlal is not just an actor but a phenomenon. With an ability to act with every part of his body, his eyes, expressions, voice, and even the subtlest gestures, he has created characters that audiences will never forget. His natural style makes viewers believe in the reality of his roles, whether he is portraying an ordinary man or a towering hero. Every performance is infused with truth and honesty, making him one of the most respected actors in the country.

Mohanlal’s versatility has few parallels. His National Award-winning roles in Bharatham, Vanaprastham, and Thanmathra stand as testimonies to his extraordinary range and mastery of performance. He also became the face of box-office power with films like Pulimurugan, which shattered records and introduced Malayalam cinema to new global audiences. Even today, with films like Thudarum and Hrudayapoorvam, he continues to prove his timeless appeal and connection with new generations.

Characters like Sethumadhavan in Kireedam still move audiences to tears with raw humanity, while Nandagopan in Kamaladalam astonished fans with his graceful dance moves and emotional depth. In Bhramaram, he showed how even his toes could act, portraying a man consumed by betrayal and revenge. His role in Manichithrathazhu brought a striking balance of humor, realism, and sensitivity, further cementing his reputation as an actor who could seamlessly adapt to any genre.

This honour is deeply significant for Malayalam cinema. It showcases the richness of Kerala’s storytelling traditions and highlights the depth of its artistic achievements. For young actors, filmmakers, and creative professionals, Mohanlal’s journey is a guiding light. From his humble beginnings in Manjil Virinja Pookkal to becoming a global cultural icon, he has shown that passion, perseverance, and sincerity can overcome every barrier.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Mohanlal is more than a personal milestone. It is a moment of pride for the Malayalam film industry and for Indian cinema. It is also a reminder of how creativity can touch hearts, unite cultures, and inspire generations. Through characters that make us cry, laugh, admire, and reflect, Mohanlal has become part of our lives. As the nation honours him with its highest cinematic recognition, Malayalam cinema stands tall, proud, and grateful for the magic he continues to create.

Toonz Team All Set to Shine at MIPCOM Cannes 2025

The Toonz team is gearing up for yet another exciting edition of MIPCOM Cannes 2025, the world’s biggest content market and a key meeting point for the global creative industry. For Toonz, participation at MIPCOM is more than just a business opportunity, it has become a tradition. Year after year, the event provides a powerful platform to showcase our content, strengthen relationships, and explore collaborations with partners from across the world.

This year, a four-member delegation will represent Toonz at Cannes. Leading the team is our CEO P. Jayakumar, joined by Bernhard Stephan, Director – Media Sales, Suriya Thomas, Vice President – Development, and Anish Narayanakutty, Director – Digital Media Networks and Content Distribution. Together, they will highlight our development pipeline, distribution offerings, and the creative strength that continues to define Toonz on the global stage.

The development slate includes some of our most promising projects like Issa’s Edible Adventures, Adventures of Rusty, Paddy Paws and Little Spark.

On the distribution side, we are bringing a dynamic lineup of shows that are already creating a buzz among buyers. Titles include Witch Detectives, CID Squad, Hangry Petz, Misfit Manor, and the much-loved Zoonicorn. With this diverse mix of stories and styles, Toonz is ready to capture attention and spark new collaborations at MIPCOM.

As one of the most prestigious events for television and entertainment, MIPCOM offers unmatched opportunities to present our work to leading broadcasters, streaming platforms, and creative partners worldwide. For Toonz, it is not just about showcasing content, it is about continuing our legacy of creativity, collaboration, and innovation on the world stage.

With our strong lineup and the leadership of our team, Toonz is all set to make a memorable mark at MIPCOM Cannes 2025.

Toonz Academy Hosts Seminar on AI in Animation Filmmaking in Thrissur

Toonz Academy successfully organized a seminar on AI in Animation Filmmaking for creative career aspirants in Thrissur on 18th September at the Sahithya Academy Hall.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Muralee Cheeroth, Chairman of the Lalithakala Academy, and graced by Shri R. S. Vimal, acclaimed filmmaker and director of the Malayalam blockbuster Ennu Ninte Moideen, as the chief guest.

Adding further value to the event, Vinod A. S., VP Academics of Toonz Education Services, led an insightful session on creative careers, inspiring the next generation of talent to explore opportunities in the world of animation and digital media.

The seminar drew an impressive crowd of over 300 participants and received highly positive feedback, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for animation, AI, and creative careers among young aspirants.

Toonz Expands Global Reach with New Distribution Wins

The Toonz Distribution team continues to make significant strides in taking our original IPs to wider global audiences. We are delighted to share two recent milestones that underscore the team’s efforts and commitment.

Zoonicorn Season 3 has been successfully sold to Future Today USA for their SVOD platform. This achievement not only expands the global reach of one of our flagship properties but also reinforces Toonz’s growing presence in the international streaming market.

At the same time, our partnership with Story Zoo has been further strengthened. As part of this extended collaboration, popular Toonz IPs including Lucky Fred, Pajama, and Rat-a-Tat will now be available in both Germany and the Netherlands. The shows will be accessible through Amazon services in Germany, as well as the Story Zoo FAST Channel, further widening the footprint of Toonz content across Europe.

These successes highlight the consistent efforts of the distribution team in positioning Toonz IPs globally, ensuring that our stories resonate with audiences across platforms and territories.