KOLKATA: Cartoon Network, a WarnerMedia Kids channel on Thursday announced the release of its first local sci-fi superhero CGI series, ‘Ekans - Ek Se Badhkar Snake’. The all-new animated series will air on the channel starting 27 June, and thereafter from Monday to Friday, at 11:30am and 7:30pm.
The series features a 13-year-old street-smart wunderkind, Ekans, who is chosen as ‘the one’ and is gifted a ‘naagmani’ by the world’s most powerful snakes, thanks to his heart of gold and fearless attitude. With extraordinary snake-like powers, the otherwise conventional tech-savvy youngster obtains heightened sensory perceptions, the ability to camouflage, flexibility, and strength to keep humanity safe from the evils of the world. His trendy hi-tech superpower suit with mechanical snakes gives him additional abilities to cleverly outsmart villains. This original IP has a storyline that centres around the lives of Ekans, his genius family, and goofy friend Chiku.
‘Ekans - Ek Se Badhkar Snake’, local production by Kolkata-based studio Hi-Tech Animation, joins the existing gamut of successful homegrown IPs by WarnerMedia India such as ‘Dabangg - The Animated Series’ on Cartoon Network; ‘Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu’ and ‘Smashing Simmba’ on the companion channel POGO.
Cartoon Network and POGO South Asia Network head Abhishek Dutta said: “We are thrilled to introduce our first-ever original homegrown superhero. It’s also our first-ever CGI series. ‘Ekans - Ek Se Badhkar Snake’ has a character-verse that is locally relevant and resonates universally. The show not only brings entertaining, action-packed adventures with new-age gadgets but also encourages kids to wholly embrace themselves – just as Ekans does. We’re sure kids and their parents will love the show’s teen protagonist, because of his intelligence, unique superpowers, and his ability to overcome challenges and fears for the greater good.”
The show’s title track is a collaborative effort of award-winning Indian playback singer Kailash Kher, freestyle rap sensation Parry G, legendary poet and author Gulzar, and music composer Simaab Sen.
To create excitement and build engagement amongst the audiences, Cartoon Network has also launched a high-impact, 360-degree integrated promotional campaign that celebrates the superhero in every kid. As part of this campaign, the brand has launched an Instagram page @EkansOnCartoonNetwork dedicated to the superhero.
Cartoon Network will also collaborate with various partners, such as leading digital parenting platform Momspresso and YouTube Kids sensation ‘The Aayu-Pihu Show’, for engaging activities on social media. The promotional efforts for #EkansOnCartoonNetwork also include brand integrations, influencer engagement, branded content opportunities, affiliate marketing, in-app mobile game advertising, and exciting activities on Cartoon Network’s official website and social media pages.
