We have a ‘little’ addition to the list of our famous Indian superheroes – be it Krish, Shaktiman, Baal Veer, or Ganesha. Any guess? It’s our very own gullible – Chhota Bheem.
Chhota Bheem becomes the first Indian cartoon character to sell merchandise worth Rs 200 crore. Unseasonal nature of the sales across big cities and small towns alike and a large portfolio of products at different price points have been helping the steady growth of Chhota Bheem merchandise sales year-after-year.
Chhota Bheem is an Indian animated comedy adventure television series created by Rajiv Chilaka.
The initial journey….
Premiered in 2008 on Pogo TV, it focuses on adventures of a boy named Bheem and his friends in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur. In this series, Bheem and his friends are usually involved in protecting Raja Indravarma, the king of Dholakpur, and his kingdom from various evil forces. Sometimes they also help other kingdoms.
It is one of the most popular animated series for children in India.
Chhota Bheem merchandises:
Toonz Retail had collaborated with Green Gold Animation to stock and sell exclusive Chhota Bheem merchandise across their retail chain.
Till now, Green Gold, which started producing their own collection of Chhota Bheem merchandising and apparel, were selling the products through only their own select stores.
With this collaboration, more kids would be able to buy their favourite merchandises, as the reach would be maximum.
Toonz, being one of the most preferred destinations for parents and kids, had entered into a strategic tie-up with Green Gold to sell exclusive Chhota Bheem merchandise.
Green Gold expects Chhota Bheem merchandise to clock Rs 500 crore revenue in the next 4-5 years.
Chhota Bheem: The Ride:
Taking a cue from global counterparts, Imagica, an Indian entertainment destination extended a unique consumer experience for guests at the Theme Park, in association with Green Gold Animation. The alliance witnessed the introduction of India’s first character ride – ‘Chhota Bheem The Ride’.
Chhota Bheem will entertain guests from all across the country through ‘Chhota Bheem The Ride’ at Imagica, Grand Imagica Parade alongside the stars of Imagica, meet and greet with fans among others.
The kid-friendly attraction unveiled at Imagica’s Theme Park this May.
Live-Action Musical Show:
Green Gold announced a live-action musical show that will be performed across five cities in the country towards the end of the year. It will be produced and promoted by Venture One Innovations.
Foraying into digital space:
Green Gold also plans to take Bheem to the digital space with a series titled Mighty Little Bheem. “We are thrilled to work with Netflix. It will open to audiences across 190 countries. This is incredible,” Rajiv Chilaka was quoted.
Video Games:
Mobile gaming company Nazara technologies have partnered with Amazon to enable localized gaming experience on its Fire TV.
As a part of this partnership, Nazara Gaming is planning to bring freemium games for kids under 11, starting with its flagship game ‘Chhota Bheem Speed Racing’. The company had further developed games for titles such as Chhota Bheem, Motu Patlu, Shikari Shambu, Suppandi and Mighty Raju.
Movies:
Gold started Green Gold Pictures in 2012 and has produced and released three theatrical movies.
Among all the Chhota Bheem films, the most popular ones have been Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan (2012), Chhota Bheem and the Throne of Bali (2013) and Chhota Bheem: Himalayan Adventure (2016). Post Chhota Bheem’s huge success, Rajiv had also introduced a standalone show on Raju titled as Mighty Raju.
Green Gold is coming up with yet another title — Chhota Bheem Kung Fu Dhamaka. On the occasion of 10th Anniversary on May 3, the creators unveiled the trailer of the upcoming animated movie.
The film was distributed by Yash Raj Films and will be released in two different languages—Hindi and English.
Foraying into international markets…
China is all set to witness the strength of one of the most popular Indian toons, Chhota Bheem, which has clocked ten years.
Titled ‘Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka,’ the franchise’s upcoming venture will travel across many international markets this year-end.
Green Gold Pictures is well known for their original Indian animated content and it is also the only Indian company to diversify itself into L&M, digital media, theatrical movie production, branded stores among others. Green Gold Animation was established in 2001. Green Gold set up its Licensing and Merchandising division in 2008.
