MUMBAI: With the spotlight on localization intensifying among television programmers, Cartoon Network has zeroed in on Tamil Nadu and will be showcasing The Legend of Buddha and Pandavas: The Five Warriors, both locally acquired films in 2001 and mid 2006 respectively. Dubbed in the local language the channel will air the animated feature films on 5 and 19 November at 11 am.
Furthering this strategy, other series including Baby Looney Tunes, Robotboy, Franklin, Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, Dragon Tales, Bob the Builder - Project Build It, Krypto The Super Dog, Richie Rich, the all new Popeye show, the action franchise block, Toonami‘s, Gransazers and Transformers Cybertron and Dexter‘s Laboratory will also be aired in Tamil on Cartoon Network. The channel however, will not be completely transformed into a local avatar, like its Mickey counterpart, yet it appears to be a strategic move in that direction.
Turner International India Vice President advertising sales and networks India and South Asia Monica Tata said, "Indian animation which has aired on Cartoon Network, has always been a huge success and we are extremely happy to introduce two of the most well-known features, specially dubbed in Tamil, for our audience in the state. Tamil languaging is a natural extension of Cartoon Network‘s overall localisation strategy for India."
Both the movies have been produced by Chennai-based Pentamedia Graphics Limited. The 2D animation feature, The Legend of Buddha, is an inspirational story of the journey of Prince Siddhartha of the Kingdom of Kapilavastu, whose experiences prod him to pursue the true meaning and purpose of life. Siddhartha leaves his palatial comforts to embark on an arduous journey of self-realization. The movie captures through its storyline, the milestones that mark the path of Prince Siddhartha to Nirvana and becoming ‘The Enlightened One.‘
While on the other hand, Pandavas - The Five Warriors is an adaptation of one of India‘s greatest epic, the ‘Mahabharata.‘ With exotic backgrounds, intricate sets and action filled battle scenes, the film is broad in scope and also has been awarded the National Award for Best English Feature Film 2000 and the second Best Animation Feature Film at the Vancouver Effects and Animation festival, 2001, Pandavas promises to be the perfect entertainer for kids and their families.
Cartoon Network India also acquired several other locally produced programming including Sinbad - Beyond The Veil of Mists, Ramayana - The Legend Of Prince Ram, The Adventures of Tenali Raman, The Adventures of Chhota Birbal, Vikram Betaal, Akbar Birbal and Son Of Alladin.
