PowerKids’ Global Play at MIPCOM ’25

By Pickle October 11, 2025

CEO Manoj Mishra shares how PowerKids is taking Indian animation global—spotlighting new IPs, forging powerful industry partnerships, and redefining kids’ entertainment with fresh stories and bold strategies at MIPCOM 2025.

Few Indian animation brands have achieved the scale and global reach of PowerKids Entertainment. Under the leadership of CEO Manoj Mishra, the company has grown from a content creator to a digital powerhouse, amassing a combined subscriber base of over 60 million across platforms and pioneering new distribution models for a diverse, digital-first generation.

In an ecosystem where technology, audience expectations, and business models are continually evolving, PowerKids’ approach stands out for its focus on accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.

In this exclusive Pickle interview, Manoj Mishra discusses the critical role of digital platforms like YouTube, the company’s leap into FAST channels, the value of strategic partnerships for broader reach, and how nurturing Indian talent is key to building globally resonant IPs.

What are PowerKids Entertainment’s key objectives at this year’s MIPCOM 2025?

Our focus at MIPCOM 2025 is to showcase our flagship IPs like Adventures of Akira and Mowgli, Young Achievers Academy, and Little Mowgli; strengthen global partnerships; and expand co-production, licensing, and distribution opportunities. We aim to build long-term alliances and highlight Powerkids’ vision of creating global content.

Do you see some bright spots in the industry? Are conditions better than what we witnessed at the same time last year?

Yes, absolutely—the industry outlook is much brighter than it was a year ago. We’re seeing renewed energy across both traditional and digital segments, with global demand for quality kids’ content growing steadily. The rise of FAST and AVOD platforms has created new monetization opportunities, especially for strong library IPs and ad-friendly content.

Advertisers are returning with confidence, investing more in connected TV and streaming, which is directly benefiting kids’ entertainment producers. Moreover, international buyers are showing greater interest in locally resonant, character-driven IPs, leading to a surge in co-production and licensing discussions.

How is PowerKids leveraging MIPCOM to strengthen relationships with global broadcasters and OTT platforms for its latest slate of animated content? Can you prioritize the top three goals for Powerkids at MIPCOM this year?

At MIPCOM 2025, PowerKids is strategically focused on deepening its relationships with leading global broadcasters and OTT platforms to amplify the reach of its latest animated slate—including Adventures of Akira & Mowgli, Young Achievers Academy, and Little Mowgli & Dragonero season 2.

We are leveraging the market to present our new IPs, explore co-production opportunities, and secure broader distribution partnerships across key territories. By showcasing our strong track record in delivering world-class kids’ content and the success of PowerKids TV, which now reaches over 60 million subscribers all combined and has generated well over 25 billion views globally, we aim to build long-term value-driven collaborations.

From adapting beloved Indian comic characters to launching FAST channels and B2B platforms, PowerKids is innovating across every front—expanding its reach, fostering creative partnerships, and making premium animation more accessible than ever.

Our top three goals at MIPCOM 2025 are

Expand global distribution and co-production alliances for our new and existing IPs with major broadcasters and streamers.
Strengthen licensing and merchandising partnerships to enhance brand visibility and monetization across multiple platforms.
Showcase the growing PowerKids ecosystem—from our FAST channels and YouTube network to the upcoming B2B OTT platform.

What drove the decision to adapt Indian comic book icons like Supandi and Wingstar into animated series?

I think the decision to adapt beloved Indian comic book icons like Suppandi and WingStar into animated series was driven by the commitment to celebrating India’s rich storytelling heritage while creating globally appealing, culturally rooted content.

These characters have been an integral part of Indian pop culture for generations, and bringing them to animation allows us to reintroduce them to a new audience in a fresh, dynamic way.

We’re delighted to have a wonderful collaboration with Zebu Animation to bring Suppandi’s hilarious misadventures to PowerKids TV, promising endless laughter and entertainment for our young audience. Suppandi’s journey to 3D animation marks a new chapter in Indian comic history, blending nostalgia with innovation.

How is PowerKids leveraging MIPCOM to strengthen relationships with global broadcasters and OTT platforms for its latest slate of animated content?

MIPCOM provides a unique platform for us to directly engage with key decision-makers from broadcasters and OTT platforms around the world. For PowerKids, it’s not just about showcasing content—it’s about building meaningful relationships, understanding market trends, and aligning our programming with the evolving needs of international partners.

Through MIPCOM, we are able to present these properties, discuss co-productions, and forge strategic partnerships that strengthen our global footprint and open avenues for distribution, merchandising, and long-term collaborations.

Can you elaborate on how MIPCOM serves as a launchpad for PowerKids’ co-production initiatives with international partners?

MIPCOM functions as a global incubator for co-production opportunities. It allows us to meet potential partners in person, align creative visions, and establish mutual trust—critical elements for successful international co-productions. For example, with Adventures of Akira & Mowgli, we engaged here with multiple co-producers across different regions, and through our multiple meetings, we have received creative inputs and content strategies.

The event accelerates the conversation from conceptual discussion to actionable deals, enabling us to not only expand our reach but also enhance the production quality and marketability of our IPs through collaborative expertise.

Could you discuss the creative evolution behind major IPs like Adventures of Akira & Mowgli and how they expand the legacy of The Jungle Book franchise for global audiences?

With Adventures of Akira & Mowgli, we are building on a beloved legacy while introducing fresh, compelling narratives for a contemporary audience. Akira’s character brings a strong, relatable female perspective and a sense of responsibility, complementing Mowgli’s iconic journey.

The series preserves the adventurous spirit of The Jungle Book while expanding the universe with new storylines, stunts, and emotional arcs. By focusing on universally resonant themes such as friendship, courage, and curiosity, we ensure the content appeals to both traditional fans and new generations of viewers globally. It is this blend of nostalgia and innovation that strengthens our IP’s global positioning.

There has been a shift in broadcasters’ outlook when it comes to producing content. Many are ready to share IPs and looking for new business models.

Absolutely. Broadcasters today are much more collaborative and flexible than before. They recognize that partnering with creative studios and sharing IPs can open up new revenue streams, whether through co-productions, licensing, or merchandising. This shift allows for innovative business models where risk, creativity, and profit are shared, benefiting both the IP holders and the broadcasters. For Power Kids, this trend accelerates our ability to co-create high-quality content while ensuring that our stories reach global audiences in ways that are commercially sustainable and creatively enriching.

The success of Mahavatar Narasimha has been remarkable—how has this film influenced Power Kids’ approach to mythological storytelling and faith-based animation?

I feel its success has been a valuable benchmark for the Indian animation industry. It demonstrates that audiences are deeply receptive to mythological and faith-based stories when executed with high-quality animation and compelling narratives.

In what ways did Mahavatar Narasimha’s box office performance and cultural resonance open new opportunities for Indian animated films in global markets?

Recent successes have highlighted Indian animation as a serious contender in the global entertainment market. There’s now a clear opportunity to scale original IP, attract international co-productions, and position culturally rich stories for worldwide audiences.

Are you currently working on any animation films scheduled for release in the next 12–18 months?

Yes, we have some exciting animation projects in the works, and you’ll hear about them soon.

How is the fragmentation of the global distribution landscape affecting Power Kids’ monetization strategies, particularly given the increasing demands for exclusivity from platforms?

The global distribution landscape is highly fragmented, as broadcasters, OTT platforms, and FAST services each seek differentiated content and, in some cases, exclusivity. For PowerKids, this situation necessitates a flexible monetization strategy that balances audience reach with revenue optimization.

We adopt a tiered approach by selecting platforms for exclusive premieres and leveraging multi-platform distribution to maximize IP visibility, audience engagement, and ancillary revenue streams such as licensing, merchandising, and co-productions. This model allows us to protect our content’s value while ensuring it reaches the widest possible audience.

What role do digital platforms, such as YouTube—where PowerKids has amassed over 44 million subscribers—play in your overall business model and in testing intellectual property (IP) before broader distribution?

Our combined subscriber base exceeds 60 million, and YouTube acts as a vital proving ground for our content. YouTube contributes significantly to our revenue and brand-building efforts, creating a loyal fanbase that supports both our original IPs and long-term licensing strategies.

With the launch of dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus and JioTV, how is Power Kids shaping the future of free ad-supported television for children in India?

The launch of dedicated FAST channels allows us to bring high-quality children’s content directly to viewers without or with very low subscription barriers. This is particularly significant in India, where accessibility is key. By curating engaging programming blocks, we can deliver consistent brand experience, generate targeted ad revenue, and experiment with content formats and scheduling that resonate with young audiences. FAST channels are an important part of our strategy to make premium animation widely accessible while simultaneously testing new monetization models for a growing digital-first generation.

How do partnerships with platforms like Swift TV and RUNN TV contribute to Power Kids’ vision of redefining children’s entertainment accessibility across diverse demographics?

Partnerships with platforms like Swift TV and RUNN TV allow us to reach audiences across varied socio-economic and geographic segments, including regions where traditional pay-TV penetration may be limited. These collaborations enable us to deliver high-quality, locally relevant content in an inclusive and scalable way.

PowerKids is driving the next chapter in children’s entertainment by blending technological advancement, cross-cultural storytelling, and flexible monetization strategies—all aimed at building a sustainable, global ecosystem for animated content.

By expanding access, we are not only growing our viewership but also fostering brand loyalty and creating opportunities for IP extensions, merchandising, and long-term engagement across diverse demographics.

Looking ahead, how do you foresee the animation industry evolving, and how is Power Kids preparing to stay at the forefront of technological and creative innovation?

Technological sophistication, cross-platform storytelling, and global IP scalability are increasingly driving the animation industry. We foresee a growing convergence between traditional animation, interactive experiences, and AI-driven content updates.

PowerKids is investing in cutting-edge animation pipelines, VR/AR experiments, and high-fidelity production techniques, while fostering creative excellence in story development. Our goal is to maintain global competitiveness by delivering narratives that resonate culturally yet appeal universally, ensuring our IPs are ready for both traditional and emerging platforms.

How is PowerKids nurturing Indian talent and collaborating with local creators to build a sustainable ecosystem for homegrown animated content with global appeal?

Nurturing local talent is central to Powerkids’ mission. We actively collaborate with Indian studios and creators—from scriptwriters and illustrators to animators and sound designers—providing them with access to international best practices, advanced production technologies, and global co-production opportunities.

Our goal is to empower homegrown talent to create content that meets world-class standards while preserving a unique cultural authenticity. This approach strengthens the Indian animation ecosystem and ensures that our IPs resonate with audiences around the world.