With Adventures of Akira & Mowgli, Powerkids Entertainment breathes new life into Rudyard Kipling’s timeless world by introducing Akira—a strong, spirited female protagonist. Born from a desire to modernise The Jungle Book and meet the growing demand for inclusive storytelling, they have forged exciting collaboration with global partners.
Powerkids will co-produce the animated series with industry leaders: beIN Media Group, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Telegael, Twelve P Animation, and Wall Peep. The show is currently in fast-paced production, with a tentative completion date by the end of 2025.
As presales for this animated series begin at Annecy, Powerkids Entertainment CEO & managing director Manoj Mishra discusses collaboration, representation, and global ambitions in an interview with AnimationXpress:
Adventures of Akira & Mowgli introduces a new character, Akira, alongside the beloved Mowgli. What inspired the creation of Akira, and how does her character enhance the narrative of this spin-off?
Akira was born out of a desire to expand The Jungle Book universe with a fresh, dynamic perspective. She was introduced in response to industry demand for strong female leads. We wanted a character who could complement Mowgli’s journey while adding depth to the adventure. Akira embodies resilience, curiosity, and a deep connection to the jungle, making her a perfect counterpart to Mowgli.
How do you balance staying true to the original Jungle Book essence while introducing fresh elements like Akira?
Staying true to The Jungle Book’s essence while introducing a bold new protagonist required careful storytelling. We maintained the rich, immersive world that audiences love while ensuring Akira’s presence felt natural—an evolution rather than an intrusion. Her story intertwines with Mowgli’s, exploring themes of unity, discovery, and courage.
The series is a collaborative effort with partners from Ireland, Spain, the UAE, and the Middle East. What unique perspectives do each of the co-producers bring to the project?
Despite coming from different regions, all our partners share a belief in modernising a classic tale. Their diverse experiences in storytelling, culture, and creativity enrich the project, helping us craft a narrative that feels globally resonant while staying true to its roots.
With the series set to launch presales at Annecy, what are your expectations from the festival?
Annecy is the perfect platform to showcase this series to a global audience. We anticipate strong interest from distributors and broadcasters looking for fresh, adventurous content with strong character-driven storytelling. Akira’s presence adds a unique appeal, expanding the series’ potential reach.
Could you delve into the creative process behind the series? How do the writers and animators collaborate to bring this world to life?
Writers and animators work hand in hand to breathe life into this project. Storyboarding sessions involve deep discussions about character arcs, visual aesthetics, and emotional beats. The animation team ensures fluid movement and expressive storytelling, making the jungle feel alive and immersive.
Diversity and inclusion are becoming central themes in children’s content. How does Powerkids ensure these values are embedded in its storytelling and character development?
We actively ensure cultural sensitivity and meaningful character development in all our narratives. Powerkids is committed to embedding authentic representation in our stories. Akira’s character is a testament to that, providing young viewers—especially girls with a courageous, independent role model.
With a vast catalogue of titles, how does Powerkids decide on which stories to tell next? What criteria do you consider when greenlighting a new project?
Greenlighting a project involves evaluating its emotional impact, storytelling potential, and market demand. We prioritise stories that resonate across cultures and age groups, ensuring they offer valuable life lessons while delivering entertainment. Adventures of Akira & Mowgli was chosen for its ability to reimagine a classic in a fresh, compelling way.
Looking ahead, what are Powerkids Entertainment’s goals for the next five years, and how do you plan to position the company in the global animation landscape?
Over the next five years, Powerkids Entertainment is committed to expanding its global reach through collaborations with like-minded partners, championing compelling narratives that redefine storytelling. Beyond leading in high-quality children’s content across traditional and digital platforms, we aim to bring our beloved characters to life through merchandising, interactive apps, and immersive gaming experiences, ensuring our stories continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
(Jointly written By Binita Das & Anshita Bhatt)
