Indian Kids Channel Sony Yay! is set to the introduction of “Cid Squad”, a first animated research thriller in its kind that again proposes India’s iconic “CID” franchise for a new generation.
The project is a strategic urge to broaden the attraction of the animation that goes beyond the programming of traditional children in what the channel describes as an “animated world -class experience with advanced technology”.
Ambesh Tiwari, business head of Sony Kids and Animation, explains that the new production stimulates: “We found out that the age group between 15 and 35 may be one of the first generations to be a tolerance and acceptance of animated content much higher. This is the first cartoon network generation that is now completely parents. ”
According to Tiwari, this demographic shift created the opportunity to tell stories with characters made in India. “What if the same [“CID”] Characters from Pradyuman, Daya, Freddie, Abhijit, with their own qualities, Were young people based in today’s world? “He asks, the concept outlines. While the original” CID “focused on murder cases and biological crimes,” CID team “tackles contemporary issues, including self-driving cars, artificial intelligence and cyber protection.
The animation series shows Inspector Pradyuman as a 25 to 30-year-old who leads a team of younger detectives. In contrast to his predecessor, who followed high officers who solve traditional crimes, this re -conceived team consists of teenagers with different specializations. Abhijit, a 16-year-old with exceptional deduction skills and a sharp memory, uses his observational talents to build cases. Daya, slightly older than Abhijit, serves as the muscle of the team, but is again conceived as “a Putsy coder” in the digital age. “In the real version he is a physically strong guy, but in our version he is a young guy who breaks the firewalls,” says Tiwari.
The team is completed by Fredricks, the youngest member who offers comic help while maintaining a positive team spirit, and Constable Sushil, an experienced officer with an extensive network of informants. Dr. Salunkhe, a mechanical genius that has a scroot shop, creates ingenious gadgets of away materials to support the team’s research.
“The characters have a lot of affinity, even today with younger people,” Tiwari notes, pointing to the original “CIDs” recent successful comeback on Sony TV and streaming platforms such as Netflix. He emphasizes that the new iteration on its own merit is: “If you don’t really know ACP Pradyuman, you will pick up Inspector Pradyuman and see how he leads the team.”
With 13 episodes of 22-30 minutes each in its first run, “Cid Squad” is positioned as a global characteristic. “The intention is to create a worldwide real estate that is syndicated all over the world, with India being a considerable market,” says Tiwari. The series will be available in the languages Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bangla to meet various demography throughout India.
Sony Yay! Works together with Toonz Media Group, one of the leading animation studios of India, for production. The post production of the show is treated by the Telegael van Ireland, with international music composers Gigi Meroni and Saveiro Rapezzi who create the soundtrack.
The strategic route map of Sony Yay! Is led by their ‘Hub strategy’, making the brand a one-stop destination for animation. The H stands for the home base of the largest Toons, you for unlimited roads and B for breaking boundaries. Sony Yay has positioned this approach! As one of the leaders in the entertainment of Indian children by embracing the philosophy of ‘animation for everyone’.
The strategic focus areas 2025 follow this framework: the content library continuously grow with iconic characters and global titles; Expansion of contact points beyond TV through collaborations, merchandise and digital ecosystems; And stimulating the animation revolution of India with a strong focus on home soil and anime expansion.
Beyond “Cid Squad”, Sony Yay! Brings the Japanese anime series “Obocchama-Kun” to the Indian audience through a collaboration between Japan-India. The script writing of the show remains with the Japanese team to maintain the original charm of Obocchama-Kun, while Indian makers treat the production of animation to guarantee local relevance and seamless adjustment. This approach retains the core humor and telling stories and refining cultural nuances for Indian viewers.
Sony Yay! Also develops what Tiwari describes as “Possible India’s first anime series” based on Indian mythology, currently code name “Project K.” While he refused to indicate which mythological character will be pronounced, Tiwari confirmed that it is neither Kalki nor Ashwathama. “This is a very anime story with a small man with a kind of forces, then a complete physical transformation happens,” he says, and notes that Japanese partners help build the series with authentic anime stories.
These initiatives are part of Yay! Strategic imperatives of animations: IP production/co-production with “CID Squad” as the flagship series, content creation for other platforms and global talent cooperation. Additional upcoming titles include “Ray”, a series based on stories by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray and “Karna – The Guardian”, the iconic Indian character in a new Avatar again.
The channel has also received anime titles such as’ Naruto ‘,’ Naruto Shippuden ‘,’ Jujutsu Kaisen, ” Dr. Stone “and” Black Clover. “It has performed strongly and is particularly successful in South India.
Sony Yay! Has developed a balanced income model that advertising partnerships, syndication deals and licensing options. De Animeboom has added an important value to its offer, so that the brand can earn money in different channels. The brand also strengthens its digital presence, with nine YouTube channels (four show-oriented Hindi language channels and five regional channels) that generate more than 150 million viewers and 1.5 billion impressions per month.
“What we have understood – we now see the market of advertisers and licenses that understand the same hypothesis – that it is really time for anime for everyone,” concludes Tiwari.