A Cultural Connection Rooted in Folklore: How Anime and Manga paved their way to India
India’s obsession with Japanese art forms such as anime and manga might seem new, but its origins go back decades to an unexpected cultural collaboration. When Japanese filmmaker Yugo Sako partnered with Indian animation pioneer Ram Mohan to create Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama in 1993, they weren’t just bringing a beloved Indian epic to life—they were planting seeds for anime’s future in India. This iconic film sparked early interest, creating a cultural bridge that strengthened over time, only to bloom very recently.
Breaking Out of the Cartoon Box: How Anime Grew Beyond Kid’s Content
Anime’s journey in India can be regarded as one of evolution, moving from a “cartoon-ish” perception to being recognized as a sophisticated form of storytelling. Shows like Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Death Note shattered the idea of anime as children’s entertainment, showcasing complex characters, themes, and narratives that drew audiences across ages. With over 30 million fans nationwide, anime has cemented itself as a true cultural phenomenon in India.
The (Im?)Perfect Storm for Anime’s Rise in India
COVID-19 forced people to stay indoors and, propelling content consumption via OTTs, became a launchpad for anime’s growth in India, accelerating digital adoption and pushing viewers toward fresh content on streaming platforms. Giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Crunchyroll recognized the rising demand, curating anime libraries with dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The localisation transformed anime from niche content to a household favourite, accessible across India’s vast digital landscape.
How and Why Manga is Joining Anime in the Spotlight
While anime captures audiences with dynamic visuals and intense storyboarding, manga offers a reader-driven experience that dives even deeper into the characters and plot - much like a slow burn. With a projected growth rate of 20% by 2030, manga is carving out a devoted fan base alongside anime in India, creating a layered entertainment ecosystem that fans are eager to explore.
Top Titles Lighting Up India’s Anime Scene, and What They Say About Us
India’s top anime titles reflect mature universal themes that resonate deeply here. Naruto and Death Note lead the way, exploring perseverance, friendship, and an array of ethical complexities. The strong theatrical box-office success of Suzume, Dragon Ball Super Heroes, and Jujutsu Kaisen 0 highlights India’s growing appetite for anime beyond streaming, as fans eagerly embrace stories that inspire both on-screen and off while experiencing stunning visuals on large screen formats.
The Business of Fandom
With this market projected to grow from USD 1.64 billion to USD 5 billion by 2032, the movement is much more than a trend - it appears to be a major business opportunity. Today, 84% of anime fans are willing to invest in merchandise from their favourite shows, and over 50% are more curious about Japanese culture, language, and cuisine - indicating a gateway to enhanced foreign relations. From cosplay conventions to exclusive retail offerings, this movement is shaping a vibrant youth culture that brands can’t afford to overlook.
How Brands Are Embracing The Power of Pop Culture
As the fan base expands, companies are seizing the chance to join in. Platforms like JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video now have dedicated anime sections, and brands like Celio and The Souled Store are rolling out anime-themed collections. In the middle of all this, Crunchyroll sees India as the 2nd largest market globally when it comes to anime content consumption. Government-backed initiatives, like the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest, aim to nurture Indian talent in anime and manga creation. The result? An intersection of cultural influence and business potential, with anime leading the way.
What’s Next for This Industry in India?
Opportunities:
- Localisation for Wider Reach: The demand for quality anime dubbing in more regional languages shows no signs of slowing down.
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- Merchandising & Licensing: The potential for licensed products is high as a growing number of fans show even more interest in anime-related merchandise.
- Culturally Resonant Stories: Indian studios are beginning to explore original anime narratives, uniquely blending Japanese anime aesthetics with local themes - to bring out the best of this cultural fusion.
- Technological advancements: With exponential developments in AI and related spaces, new-age startups are experimenting with autonomous and user-guided content creation. Platforms like Dashtoon have an impressive library of democratised, user-generated content.
Challenges:
- The High Costs of Production: Anime production requires substantial investment, and for Indian studios, accessing these resources remains challenging.
Maintaining Localisation Quality: Poor-quality dubs can detract from the viewer’s experience, so high-standard localisation is essential.
- Navigating Content Restrictions: With some animes' mature themes, local content standards can present distribution hurdles.
A Cultural Wave in Motion
More than just a genre in India now, anime and Manga are becoming a shared cultural experience that inspires connection, creativity, and curiosity across generations. From streaming screens to theatre releases, and from fan conventions to localised stories, anime is making an indelible mark on India’s entertainment future. Where will this journey take us next? The stage is set, and the story is just beginning. I, for one, am curious about this future.
A Few Sources:
Director - Finance @ Dice | CIMA, CFP
3 周Very insightful
Process Engineering R&D | Liquid Metal Processing | Iron & Steelmaking | Modelling & Simulation
3 周Nice article. maybe try covering existing animation industries in India like GraphicIndia.com