“But there was not enough push within the company to make these a success. “Over the last few years, there were some efforts to enter the animation sector, and go on to digital platforms,” says Agarwal, speaking of the two films- Tripura (2011, premiered on Cartoon Network) and Sons of Ram (2012, released in theatres)-the YouTube channel and the app launched by ACK Media. The event is representative of ACK’s efforts to go back to the basics-tell stories and engage with their readers-after having meandered for a bit in its quest to stay relevant. “We plan to have workshops with parents and children there will be a character parade, ACK selfies and the trademark ACK Quiz.” “We are thinking of a big mela where we create an environment of fun and storytelling,” says Anuraag Agarwal, head of strategy, mergers and acquisitions at Future Group, who has been the interim CEO at ACK for the past six months. And what can be more Indian than Amar Chitra Katha, which has also been published in more than 36 languages and distributed in 12 countries. But, creativity apart, the founder and group CEO of Future Group, which owns hypermarket chain Big Bazaar, is also said to have a deep love for everything Indian. Those within the company point to Biyani’s attempts at producing films- Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (2002), starring Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Esha Deol-as indicative of his inclination towards creative ventures. (Elephant Capital holds the minority stake.) Malls may seem like an unlikely venue for Pai’s gathering of schoolchildren, but not only are they the modern-day spaces for community activities, ACK also has the backing of one of India’s largest retailers: Kishore Biyani’s Future Group bought a minority stake in ACK Media in March 2011, followed by a majority stake in July 2011. It is, therefore, fitting that as ACK prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee next year, it is in the process of retracing its steps to what Pai held close to his heart, and was so good at-old-fashioned story-telling.Ĭoming up over the next year will be a series of events held across several malls in different cities, which will seek to recreate Uncle Pai’s (as the comic’s creator is fondly known) story-telling sessions. While we continue to keep our founder, Anant Pai's dream alive by telling new stories and creating fresh content in print and digital formats, we are also keen on presenting our iconic stories in an animated avatar.One of the most enduring tales within the Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) family is that of founder Anant Pai, sitting among children, reading from one of the much-loved comic books, and enthralling his young audiences. “As the nation's favourite storyteller, our mission has always been to provide Indian children a route to their roots and inspire in them a great sense of pride about India and being Indian. “We have been custodians of India's stories for over 54 years, and we are thrilled to partner with Applause Entertainment to take our rich storytelling heritage to Indian and global audiences through animation,” said Preeti Vyas, President & CEO, Amar Chitra Katha. The company also continues to add new titles to its catalogue, with new themes, topics and adapting its iconic art style to endear the brand to a new generation of young readers. In the recent past, Amar Chitra Katha has made forays in the digital space with all their books having a vibrant global readership through the Amar Chitra Katha app, as well as presence on many other multiple digital platforms such as Alexa, Youtube etc. With more than 1.5 million copies sold every year, their comics have secured a niche in the audience’s hearts and minds. Spanning 20 languages, the Amar Chitra Katha library boasts titles across epics and mythology, history, fables and humour, brave hearts, visionaries and ACK Junior.įounded in 1967 by Anant Pai, Amar Chitra Katha is the pioneer in comic book storytelling for children in India, that has evolved into a cultural phenomenon today. This is our opportunity to realise that dream.”Īccording to Nair, this partnership is also a small step towards helping export Indian culture by taking a unique and deep rooted cultural brand like Amar Chitra Katha to screens across the globe. Like millions of other people, I have grown up reading these iconic comics and as a child, imagined them with dynamic visuals and dramatic sound and action. “Amar Chitra Katha is a household name in India with a diverse and celebrated library which deserves to be retold. Over the last four years, we have significantly pushed the envelope in curating and creating the most disruptive stories for Indian audiences that cut across genres and geographies,” said Sameer Nair, CEO, Applause Entertainment. “At Applause, we only strive to deliver the best in storytelling.
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