Those who have grown up during the ’90s will tell you that they swore by stories of Amar Chitra Katha as much as they devoured The Famous Five and Nancy Drew. The indigenous comic book series had a way of simplifying Indian mythology and folk tales, thus familiarising children with stories rooted in Indian culture. Now, Applause Entertainment, the content studio behind acclaimed web series such as Criminal Justice and Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020), is set to offer a retelling of the popular titles of Amar Chitra Katha through an animated web series. The studio has acquired the license to the comic book series’ library of 400-plus titles, including those revolving around Lord Krishna, and Hanuman.

For Sameer Nair, CEO, Applause Entertainment, the latest endeavour is a passion project through which he aims to “export Indian culture”. “I have grown up reading these iconic comics, and as a child, imagined them with dynamic visuals and dramatic action. This is our opportunity to realise that dream,” he says. The content creator hopes to take the deep-rooted cultural brand to screens across the globe.

While the project is in the initial stages, the makers hope to roll out the first animated series by next year. Preeti Vyas, president-CEO, Amar Chitra Katha, says it is imperative for the homegrown publishing giant to evolve with the times while staying true to their ethos. “Our mission has been to provide Indian children a route to their roots. We are confident that the team will do an amazing job adapting our stories, and providing the new generation with a crucial link to our past.”