MUMBAI: Nickelodeon, the kids channel from the Viacom18 stable, is gearing up to launch its first non-mythological, localised show Keymon Ache, starting 9 May.

Produced by Hyderabad-based DQ Entertainment, the animated show will be aired at 7 pm on the weekdays. The channel has commissioned 26 episodes of 30 minutes each.
 
Nickelodeon India Sr VP and GM Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “This summer, we decided to get original shows for our viewers. So we have launched one live action seris Pick a Trick, and one animated series Keymon Ache. These are our own concepts and we are retaining the IPs.”

Talking about the need of home grown formats, Jaipuria said that most of the home-grown properties are either mythological like Ramayana or Mahabharata or characters based on them - Krishna, Ganesha and Bheem. “This is why our shows don’t go oversees. Even the animation companies either make mythological shows for Indian broadcasters or they take international projects.”

Keymon Ache is based on the life of a nine-year-old boy, Rohan Tendulkar, who is accompanied by his set of magical toy friends. His most favourite one is a bag named as Keymon Ache.

Jaipuria is excited about Keymon Ache, and believes that the show will not only attract the kids but also the adults. “The story revolves around a nine-year old boy and his daily life. It is so close to Indian values and with a hint of magic that it will have appeal for co-viewing,” she said.

The channel has plans to take the show to multiple platforms. A special dedicated site has been developed on the show which will offer online games, and downloads apart from videos of the show. On mobile, the channels will offer mobile games, wallpapers and ringtones.

Soon, Jaipuria said, the channel will also launch the merchandise based on the characters.

The channel is promoting the show on Sony Entertainment, Sab and Viacom18 network channels, apart from McDonalds outlets and malls.