[Exclusive] Sony YAY!’s Naruto Broadcast Becomes Massive Hit With Over 63 Million Viewers In India.
Naruto: Shippuden too has raked in significant viewership on the channel!
The iconic anime series Naruto has achieved unprecedented success on Sony YAY!, amassing over 63.2 million viewers across India on their channel across all age groups.
Ronojoy Chakraborty, Head of Programming at Sony YAY!, discussed this milestone in a recent interview with Animehunch Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Ronojoy Chakraborty
Sony YAY!’s decision to bring Naruto to Indian audiences was driven by a keen understanding of the evolving preferences of young adults. Chakraborty explained that they recognized the potential of animation stories in this demographic, prompting them to acquire Naruto & Naruto: Shippuden.
The remarkable viewership numbers indicate a growing acceptance and enthusiasm for anime in India. Chakraborty highlighted that previous attempts by other broadcasters to introduce anime since 2000 had not yielded significant results.
However, the timing and approach by Sony YAY! proved to be pivotal.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recent developments related to Sony YAY! and the “Naruto” franchise:
1. Broadcast Milestones:
- “Naruto” on Sony YAY!:
- Introduced in August 2022, the original “Naruto” series has achieved remarkable success in India.
- The show amassed 63.2 million viewers across various age groups, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon in the country.
- “Naruto Shippuden”:
- The sequel series, “Naruto Shippuden,” premiered in March 2024.
- It reached an additional 30 million viewers during its initial run, showcasing a consistent fanbase for the franchise.
2. Language and Accessibility:
To cater to India’s diverse linguistic population, Sony YAY! broadcasts the series in:
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Malayalam
- Bengali
This approach has broadened the franchise’s accessibility and appeal across regional audiences.
3. Merchandising and Licensing:
- Sony YAY! has developed a comprehensive merchandising portfolio for “Naruto” in India.
- Products include:
- Apparel, toys, accessories, footwear, and back-to-school items.
- Over 1,000 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) and 200+ unique designs.
- These items are available in more than 5,000 offline retail stores nationwide.
4. Future Anime Offerings:
Building on the success of “Naruto,” Sony YAY! has announced plans to expand its anime catalog:
- Secured rights for:
- “Black Clover”
- “Fullmetal Alchemist”
- “Jujutsu Kaisen”
- Plans to co-produce anime shows in Japan, fostering collaborations to bring fresh content to Indian audiences.
5. Challenges and Recent Concerns:
- Reports suggest that “Naruto Shippuden” has been abruptly halted on Sony YAY!:
- Speculation indicates declining viewership or potential licensing issues as possible reasons.
- Fans are awaiting an official explanation for this decision.
6. Impact and Cultural Significance:
- The introduction of “Naruto” has been pivotal in making anime a mainstream entertainment option in India.
- Sony YAY!’s initiatives, from multilingual dubs to a robust merchandising strategy, have significantly boosted anime’s presence in the Indian market.
7. Community Engagement:
- Sony YAY! actively engages with its audience through social media platforms, where they provide updates, host contests, and celebrate anime fandom.
For further updates and detailed discussions:
- Official Sony YAY! Instagram: Sony YAY!
- Video on Recent Developments: “Naruto Shippuden” Stopped on Sony YAY!
Here are additional updates and insights into the developments surrounding Sony YAY! and the “Naruto” franchise in India:
8. Viewer Engagement and Popularity:
- Cultural Integration: “Naruto” has transcended its status as an anime and become a cultural symbol among Indian youth. Fans resonate with its themes of perseverance, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
- Fan Activities: The anime has spurred various fan-driven activities, including cosplay events, watch parties, and social media trends, significantly enhancing its popularity.
9. Abrupt Halt of “Naruto Shippuden”:
- Fans were surprised by the sudden discontinuation of “Naruto Shippuden” on Sony YAY! in late 2024.
- While no official statement has been made, potential reasons include:
- Licensing complications: Possible issues with renewing agreements for the series.
- Viewer drop-offs: A decrease in engagement or interest among certain demographic groups.
- This decision has sparked debates on anime forums, with fans demanding clarification and urging the channel to reinstate the show.
10. Expanding Partnerships and Reach:
- Collaborations: Sony YAY! is reportedly in talks with Japanese studios for exclusive co-productions, which could bring more localized anime content to Indian audiences.
- Digital Streaming: To complement its television broadcasts, Sony YAY! plans to enhance its digital presence, potentially offering “Naruto” and other titles on OTT platforms.
Future Potential:
Sony YAY!’s commitment to anime promises exciting possibilities for Indian fans, fostering a thriving anime culture nationwide.
“If you see that since 2000 onwards, there have been many broadcasters who have put on different anime shows across different times from 2000 to 2024. But none of them worked. Why did it work today? It worked today because we knew that the kids who have grown up on animation, they would love to still watch animation subjects which resonate with them,” Ronojoy said.
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