One of animation’s most enduring franchises is making its Indian theatrical debut.
TV Asahi and PVR Inox Pictures will release “Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil” across cinemas throughout India on Oct. 2, the franchise’s first-ever big-screen outing in the country.
The film, rooted in the original manga by Fujiko F. Fujio, follows Nobita and his friends as they embark on a deep-ocean camping trip using Doraemon’s secret gadgets, only to encounter a mysterious undersea civilization and a threat that imperils the planet. The picture will screen in the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.
Leading the film’s promotional push is licensing and brand consulting agency Black White Orange (BWO), which will oversee fan engagement, consumer experiences, and activations nationwide. Advisory and market strategy support is being handled by Happening 365 Synergies.
The franchise’s first public appearance in connection with the release is scheduled for June 20–21 at CORE, a Mumbai pop culture festival organized by BWO at the Jio World Convention Center. A dedicated “Doraemon” zone will offer themed installations, photo opportunities, an interactive fan engagement area, and a “Doraemon” inflatable, serving as the campaign’s opening salvo ahead of a broader rollout spanning school contact programs, digital media, outdoor advertising, and mall activations.
“We are honored to finally bring ‘Doraemon’ to the big screen in India after 20 years. In this movie, Doraemon and his friends set off on a grand adventure in the deep ocean. We hope children across India – as well as those who grew up with Doraemon – will enjoy this special journey together with them,” said Maiko Sumida, head of animation sales and development, International Business Department, TV Asahi.
“‘Doraemon’ has enjoyed an incredibly special connection with Indian audiences for generations, and we are excited to bring this new theatrical adventure to fans across the country in a truly immersive way. From large-scale consumer engagement and unforgettable fan experiences to exciting retail extensions, our vision is to make this ‘Doraemon’ release a grand event in India,” added Mitali Desai, COO and Co-founder, Black White Orange.
“‘Doraemon’ is a character that has transcended generations and holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indian fans. At a time when the growing popularity of anime and Japanese storytelling continues to find passionate audiences across India, we are delighted to bring ‘Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil’ to theaters across the country and create a shared big-screen experience for families, children, and longtime fans alike. This release further strengthens our commitment to bringing globally loved stories and iconic characters to Indian audiences through the theatrical experience,” said Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Inox Pictures.
“Doraemon” has been a fixture of Indian television for many years, building a loyal fanbase across age groups.