Disney Channel India Boosts Local Content Slate

MUMBAI: Disney Channel in India has announced the acquisition of Ek Tha Jungle, an animated series based on Thirukkural, an ancient Tamil text.

The series of animated fables comes from Chennai-based Accel Animation Studios, based on the work of Tamil poet Sri Thiruvalluvar. Each episode has a universal theme presented in modern day, 3-D animated format.

Devika Prabhu, associate director of programming at Walt Disney Television International India, noted: “Disney Channel is committed to showcase evergreen stories that transcend generations and are locally relevant. Ek Tha Jungle is one of the many steps that we will take to enliven Indian storytelling heritage which continues to remain thoroughly entertaining and equally relevant to modern day India. Our endeavor is to introduce the new generation of young Indians to some wonderful stories from our rich history, culture and heritage, presented in a modern day, relatable format."

The series premieres April 5 and will air Monday to Thursday at 9.30 a.m. N R Panicker, chairman of Accel and executive producer of the show, noted: "When Accel Animation Studios set out to create its own properties for television media, we decided to embark on socially relevant subjects. There is no better way than adapting the evergreen Thirukkural to narrate stories to the young audience. We are delighted to partner with Disney Channel, to bring this classic work to the Indian audience."