Roll No. 21

Cartoon Network Asia has ordered new seasons and a movie of Indian animated series Roll No. 21 from Malaysian kids producer Animasia Studio. This comes after both the Asia Television Forum and the Asian Animation Awards, which were both held last week.

Roll No. 21 is a modern animated retelling of the classic Hindu rivalry between Krishna and Kamsa. It is set in a fiction school, that sees Kamsa reincarnated as Principal Kanishk as he attempts to cook up evil plans to take over the world.

The series is produced by Malaysian producer Animasia, run by chief executive Edmund Chan. “We are extremely proud that we are one of the only companies that have had a strong and crucial relationship with Cartoon Network in the past three years. This collaboration has further reinstated that Malaysian talents are in fact able to deliver and match high quality animation designs and development for the international market for a prominent global network such as Cartoon Network,” he said.

As well as season five of the series, the Turner-owned pan regional broadcaster has ordered a full length animated feature film, produced in 3D stereoscopic based on the series.

Vishnu Athreya, executive director, programming, acquisitions and development at Turner International Asia Pacific, added: “We are extremely pleased with Animasia Studio and the way they have contributed to the success of Roll No. 21. Cartoon Network is committed to working with Asian studios to produce the very best in local animation. We have always been impressed by the passion, enthusiasm and commitment that Animasia show to the Roll No. 21 franchise. I can’t wait to see the new content on-air.”

Animasia is also working on a number of kids projects including Supa Strikas, which is produced for Disney XD in Asia, and Chuck Chicken, which it is producing with Spain’s Neptuno Films and China’s Agogo. It is looking to secure more international coproductions and attends global markets including MIP TV and MIPCOM. “Animasia is always looking out to work with international partners. In order for us to expand and grow our markets, we believe in sharing resources and expertise with partners to create synergies,” Chan told TBI.

The show: Roll No. 21
The producer: Animasia Studio
The broadcaster: Cartoon Network (Asia)
Concept: Modern animated retelling of the rivalry between Hindu gods Krishna and Kamsa