Cosmos-Maya has announced its next animation magnum opus to be inspired by Chulbul Pandey, the iconic cop popularised by Salman Khan in the Dabangg film franchise, produced by Arbaaz Khan.
Announced yesterday on Eid, the series will feature the lead character as his own self, and not a child avatar. The animated comic-caper series will have the same characters as the films and universal storylines which cater to a wide range of audiences.
Two seasons of the yet to be named Chulbul Pandey series are being produced with season two slated for 2021. The first season will have 52 half-hour episodes. Targeted at kids & family, the series is a wholesome entertainer for all audiences and promises a full family viewing experience. The studio will announce the Pay TV & OTT partners soon.
Speaking on the development, Arbaaz Khan said, “Dabangg’s biggest USP is that it is a complete family entertainer and thus, the next logical step to further grow the franchise was to enter the animation space. The medium offers unparalleled creative freedom with storytelling, and we can focus on shorter standalone stories in lieu of longer, linear narratives. Chulbul’s persona is larger than life and in animation his adventures will be showcased as never seen before. We are very happy to be working with Cosmos-Maya on this glorious franchise which has won the heart of millions. The union has been organic in the sense that the franchise and the studio have both captured the pulse of the Indian masses with entertaining grassroots level storytelling and relatable narratives. Exciting times lie ahead.”
The series chronicles the day to day life of police officer Chulbul Pandey. Backed at each step by his entourage, he stands in the face of evil to keep the city safe. Fighting evil is a tough job but whatever the situation may be, he always has the time to lighten up the mood with his jokes, limericks, and one-liners.
Chulbul is joined by his endearing younger brother Makkhi (played by Arbaaz Khan in the films), who is new in the police force and tries to emulate him. Makkhi does make his brother look better at his own expense, but then again, it is his large heart and child-like innocence that set him apart anyway. Needless to say, both Chulbul and Makkhi have immense brand equity with the youth. The show will feature the animated avatars of all iconic characters of the franchise including the three antagonists Chhedi Singh, Bachcha Bhaiya and Baali, Rajjo (played by Sonakshi Sinha in the films), Prajapati Ji (played by late Vinod Khanna in the films) and the ‘BhaiyaJi Smile’ guy.
Speaking on the announcement, Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Arbaaz Khan Productions in this historic merger of Bollywood and Animation. Cosmos-Maya which has for long been the trendsetter in the industry, is bringing a major Bollywood franchise to animation with the adult protagonist being portrayed as an adult. With more and more content viewing platforms shifting their onus to animation, a medium which can adapt itself beautifully to all narrative formats, people of all ages are becoming more accepting of the medium which has traditionally been associated with kids’ viewing. With never seen before animation quality and responsible, Bollywood inspired storytelling, it will be our endeavor to further extend the reach of this iconic brand so that more kids, teenagers and families are engaged and entertained.”
The three films in the Dabangg franchise have grossed more than Rs. 7 bn worldwide making it one the most successful Bollywood franchises. The films have also done exceedingly well on TV and Digital platforms. Salman Khan is one of the most loved celebrities in the world and children are one of the most significant contributors (directly and as influencers) to his box office and TV numbers.
After Motu Patlu, which is viewed by close to 500 million people, this is Cosmos-Maya’s second show featuring adult protagonists. The series promises audiences all-out entertainment, and with never done before action-comedy sequences, larger than life characters, gadgets straight out of a Bond movie, there is something for everyone.