Warner Bros. Discovery Bets Big on Homegrown Heroes for Indian Kids

Move over Bollywood, India’s animated heroes are taking center stage as Warner Bros. Discovery ramps up its kids entertainment offering in the country. With 200 half-hours of fresh content set to debut across its three children’s channels in the second quarter of the year, the media giant is placing a strong emphasis on homegrown Indian IPs.

The company’s kids entertainment cluster, which includes Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids, will introduce new premieres on Pogo featuring popular characters like “Chhota Bheem,” “Little Singham,” and “Jay Jagannath.” General Manager Arjun Nohwar explains that they are looking for stories that resonate across South Asia, with some of their shows even finding success with non-diaspora audiences worldwide.

The crossover films featuring “Chhota Bheem” and “Little Singham,” known as “India’s Superheroes,” broke viewing records in 2024, leading to plans for further success in 2025. Additionally, “Jay Jagannath” will see its second and third seasons premiere this year, following a successful launch in 2024.

Warner Bros. Discovery has been focusing on creating crossovers between characters and universes, exploring new creative possibilities for their superheroes and their worlds. This approach has been well-received by fans, who enjoy seeing their favorite characters come together in feature-length films and episodic series.

In addition to new content on Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Discovery is also focusing on regionalization, offering content in seven language feeds including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and English. Nohwar emphasizes the importance of hyper-localization in dubbing, ensuring that the characters resonate with audiences in various regions.

The company’s kids entertainment division is just one part of its broader South Asian strategy, which includes factual content on Discovery+ and Discovery Channel, sports programming on Eurosport, and theatrical releases. Discovery+ has carved out a unique identity in the streaming market, focusing on factual lifestyle, adventure, history, and mystery categories.

On the unscripted front, Warner Bros. Discovery continues to build its factual and lifestyle portfolio with culturally relevant local productions. Shows like “Reality Ranis of the Jungle” and “Mystery Hunter” have resonated with South Asian audiences, showcasing stories that are connected to the region’s identity and ethos.

The company’s theatrical slate in India for the year includes major titles like “A Minecraft Movie,” “Superman,” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” They will also release the highly anticipated “Ne Zha 2,” the highest-grossing animated film of all time, in the country.

While Warner Bros. Discovery is considering extending its popular franchises into theme parks in India, Nohwar notes that it requires careful evaluation and investment. With a focus on delivering high-quality content that resonates with audiences, the company is committed to providing a diverse and engaging entertainment experience for viewers in India and beyond. India’s potential role in the global sequencing and study of investments remains uncertain at this time. Warner Bros. Discovery, on the other hand, is celebrating a significant milestone in India with the 30th anniversary of Discovery and Cartoon Network in the country. As per Nohwar, these channels have transcended their original purpose to become integral parts of India’s cultural landscape, influencing and shaping generations over the years.

Nohwar emphasizes the impact of bringing global content to local audiences and creating immersive experiences that have resonated with viewers across India. Reflecting on the success of these channels, he notes that they have become more than just entertainment platforms, but rather cultural touchpoints that have become ingrained in the fabric of Indian society.

Regarding the potential launch of a standalone Max channel in India, Nohwar echoes the sentiments of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO JB Perrette in exploring various options. This includes evaluating licensing deals, partnership opportunities, and the possibility of a direct-to-consumer Max launch in the country. The company is focused on ensuring that any decision aligns with the economic viability and sustainability of the venture.

As India continues to navigate its position in global research and investment initiatives, Warner Bros. Discovery remains committed to delivering compelling content and experiences to audiences in the country. The legacy of Discovery and Cartoon Network in India serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and cultural resonance, shaping the entertainment landscape for decades to come.