Cartoon Network, Graphic India and POW! Entertainment have announced a partnership that will bring to life Stan Lee’s first ever Indian superhero. The legendary writer is the co-creator of the world’s most popular superheroes including Spider-Man™, X-Men™, Fantastic Four™, Iron Man™, Hulk™, The Avengers™, and many others. The movie, entitled Chakra: The Invincible, will premiere on Cartoon Network on Saturday, November 30 at 12pm.
Talking about his first ever Indian superhero Stan Lee said, "I am incredibly excited to be collaborating with my friends at Graphic India as we launch this great new, thrill-a-minute superhero saga named, Chakra: The Invincible, on Cartoon Network". Brimming with enthusiasm he added, “The incredible story of Chakra, one of my latest and most exciting superhero creations that promises to captivate audiences in India and around the world with his adventures."
Chakra: The Invincible tells the story of Raju Rai, a young Indian boy living in Mumbai. Raju and his mentor, the scientist Dr. Singh, develop a technology suit that activates the mystical chakras of the body. When Raju dons the suit, he discovers superpowers and vows to use his newfound abilities to protect and serve. Using his amazing powers, Chakra must save the city and the world from super villains!
Commenting on this partnership, Krishna Desai, Sr. Director & Network Head – Kids, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership and to have the pleasure of working with one of the world’s greatest legends – and my favourite real-life superhero, Stan Lee. Chakra: The Invincible is a part of Turner’s continuing efforts to entertain kids and families across India with new and exciting characters and stories. We are certain that Chakra will be added to the long list of world renowned characters from both Stan Lee and Cartoon Network.”
“What a great opportunity to expand Stan’s global brand by introducing Chakra as our first Indian superhero, and who better to partner with than Sharad Devarajan and Graphic India, as well as Cartoon Network,” said POW! Entertainment CEO/President Gill Champion.
“The opportunity to work with Stan Lee to create Chakra: The Invincible is the culmination of a lifelong dream, made that much more rewarding by partnering with the amazing team at Cartoon Network,” added Graphic’s Co-Founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan, who is also the Director and Executive Producer of the animated film. “Stan Lee is one of the most prolific storytellers in the world, and in the same way his previous characters are known by nearly every man, woman and child on the planet, we believe Chakra will captivate audiences from Boston to Beijing to Bangalore!”
Acclaimed Indian artist, Jeevan J. Kang, SVP Creative at Graphic India, oversaw the visual development and created the character designs and art for the project working closely with Mr. Lee and Devarajan to bring Chakra’s story to life.
In addition to the partnership with Cartoon Network, Graphic India recently announced that Chakra: The Invincible was also selected as part of a group of content partners to soon be featured on Angry Birds creator, Rovio Entertainment’s new ToonsTV platform, reaching audiences around the world. The distribution deals for Chakra: The Invincible with Cartoon Network and Rovio, make Chakra the only Indian character entertainment property with the potential to reach such a wide audience both inside and outside the country. Beyond animation, Graphic India will also be launching the character in a series of digital and print comic books and graphic novels as well as through toys and merchandise.
ABOUT TURNER INTERNATIONAL
Turner Broadcasting System International operates versions of core TBS brands, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. It runs Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and is a commercial partner with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. TBS operates more than 150 channels showcasing 33 brands in 36 languages in over 200 countries. Turner Broadcasting System International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS), a Time Warner company.
ABOUT CARTOON NETWORK
Launched in India in 1995, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s (TBS) Cartoon Network is the leading kids’ entertainment channel in India reaching more than 34 million households. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including the Ben 10 franchise, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Roll No. 21, etc. Cartoon Network is currently available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages. Recognized as the resident kids’ expert with a 360-degree presence through successful on-air and online presence, ground-events, promotional licensing, product licensing, publishing and DVDs.
CartoonNetworkIndia.com is India’s leading destination for kids’ online entertainment attracting close to 5.6 million page views. Kids can find the largest selection of cartoon character based games, video on demand, and a community site featuring personalized avatars and message boards. (*Source: Omniture Site Catalyst, August 2013).
ABOUT GRAPHIC INDIA
GRAPHIC INDIA is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through mobile and digital platforms. Founded by media entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, Graphic India is owned by U.S. comic book Company, Liquid Comics and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG). The company’s partners and investors bring together decades of experience in building businesses in character entertainment, media and India.
Graphic believes that India is home to some of the most creative talent in the world, with more than 500 million people under the age of 25 and more than 850 million mobile phone users in the country. The Company’s mission is to create enduring stories and heroes that foster the imaginations and fuel the inspirations of a new globalized generation of youth in both India and around the world.
Graphic’s stories include, Ramayan 3392A.D., The Leaves and The Sadhu, all currently in development as Hollywood feature films; 18 Days, a reimagining of the great eastern epic, the Mahabharata, by acclaimed graphic novel creator, Grant Morrison which was launched as an animated digital series in partnership with YouTube India; Devi, a female superhero from acclaimed filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur; Chakra: The Invincible, the first superhero for India from legendary creator Stan Lee; and numerous other heroes and stories. www.GraphicIndia.com
ABOUT POW! ENTERTAINMENT
POW! Entertainment, Inc. (OTCQB: POWN), a multi-media entertainment company, was founded by noted comic book writer Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and the late intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the creation and production of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW! is utilizing Stan Lee’s historical background by perpetuating his legacy while creating and developing all new live-action films, television, digital games, merchandising, licensing and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with third parties and strategic alliances, including studios and networks, in the production and distribution of new POW! character franchises.
Talking about his first ever Indian superhero Stan Lee said, "I am incredibly excited to be collaborating with my friends at Graphic India as we launch this great new, thrill-a-minute superhero saga named, Chakra: The Invincible, on Cartoon Network". Brimming with enthusiasm he added, “The incredible story of Chakra, one of my latest and most exciting superhero creations that promises to captivate audiences in India and around the world with his adventures."
Commenting on this partnership, Krishna Desai, Sr. Director & Network Head – Kids, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership and to have the pleasure of working with one of the world’s greatest legends – and my favourite real-life superhero, Stan Lee. Chakra: The Invincible is a part of Turner’s continuing efforts to entertain kids and families across India with new and exciting characters and stories. We are certain that Chakra will be added to the long list of world renowned characters from both Stan Lee and Cartoon Network.”
“What a great opportunity to expand Stan’s global brand by introducing Chakra as our first Indian superhero, and who better to partner with than Sharad Devarajan and Graphic India, as well as Cartoon Network,” said POW! Entertainment CEO/President Gill Champion.
“The opportunity to work with Stan Lee to create Chakra: The Invincible is the culmination of a lifelong dream, made that much more rewarding by partnering with the amazing team at Cartoon Network,” added Graphic’s Co-Founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan, who is also the Director and Executive Producer of the animated film. “Stan Lee is one of the most prolific storytellers in the world, and in the same way his previous characters are known by nearly every man, woman and child on the planet, we believe Chakra will captivate audiences from Boston to Beijing to Bangalore!”
Acclaimed Indian artist, Jeevan J. Kang, SVP Creative at Graphic India, oversaw the visual development and created the character designs and art for the project working closely with Mr. Lee and Devarajan to bring Chakra’s story to life.
In addition to the partnership with Cartoon Network, Graphic India recently announced that Chakra: The Invincible was also selected as part of a group of content partners to soon be featured on Angry Birds creator, Rovio Entertainment’s new ToonsTV platform, reaching audiences around the world. The distribution deals for Chakra: The Invincible with Cartoon Network and Rovio, make Chakra the only Indian character entertainment property with the potential to reach such a wide audience both inside and outside the country. Beyond animation, Graphic India will also be launching the character in a series of digital and print comic books and graphic novels as well as through toys and merchandise.
ABOUT TURNER INTERNATIONAL
Turner Broadcasting System International operates versions of core TBS brands, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. It runs Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and is a commercial partner with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. TBS operates more than 150 channels showcasing 33 brands in 36 languages in over 200 countries. Turner Broadcasting System International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS), a Time Warner company.
ABOUT CARTOON NETWORK
Launched in India in 1995, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s (TBS) Cartoon Network is the leading kids’ entertainment channel in India reaching more than 34 million households. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including the Ben 10 franchise, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Roll No. 21, etc. Cartoon Network is currently available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages. Recognized as the resident kids’ expert with a 360-degree presence through successful on-air and online presence, ground-events, promotional licensing, product licensing, publishing and DVDs.
CartoonNetworkIndia.com is India’s leading destination for kids’ online entertainment attracting close to 5.6 million page views. Kids can find the largest selection of cartoon character based games, video on demand, and a community site featuring personalized avatars and message boards. (*Source: Omniture Site Catalyst, August 2013).
ABOUT GRAPHIC INDIA
GRAPHIC INDIA is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through mobile and digital platforms. Founded by media entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, Graphic India is owned by U.S. comic book Company, Liquid Comics and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG). The company’s partners and investors bring together decades of experience in building businesses in character entertainment, media and India.
Graphic believes that India is home to some of the most creative talent in the world, with more than 500 million people under the age of 25 and more than 850 million mobile phone users in the country. The Company’s mission is to create enduring stories and heroes that foster the imaginations and fuel the inspirations of a new globalized generation of youth in both India and around the world.
Graphic’s stories include, Ramayan 3392A.D., The Leaves and The Sadhu, all currently in development as Hollywood feature films; 18 Days, a reimagining of the great eastern epic, the Mahabharata, by acclaimed graphic novel creator, Grant Morrison which was launched as an animated digital series in partnership with YouTube India; Devi, a female superhero from acclaimed filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur; Chakra: The Invincible, the first superhero for India from legendary creator Stan Lee; and numerous other heroes and stories. www.GraphicIndia.com
ABOUT POW! ENTERTAINMENT
POW! Entertainment, Inc. (OTCQB: POWN), a multi-media entertainment company, was founded by noted comic book writer Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and the late intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the creation and production of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW! is utilizing Stan Lee’s historical background by perpetuating his legacy while creating and developing all new live-action films, television, digital games, merchandising, licensing and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with third parties and strategic alliances, including studios and networks, in the production and distribution of new POW! character franchises.
