Cosmos-Maya is ready to ascend to the next cloud with its animated series Selfie with Bajrangi — the latest ratings hit from the creator of Motu Patlu. Following the adventures of Bajrangi, the contemporary child version of the Indian god Hanuman, the latest BARC data shows the unique buddy comedy has scored a No. 1 ranking across all Kids programming (Local + International, Animation + Live Action) based on Average Impressions from Week 16-23 of 2019.
After two successful runs on Disney’s Hungama TV (India) in Summer and Diwali last year, the recently launched third run, comprising brand new episodes of the second season of the show, has also garnered high ratings. Disney is excited with the consistent numbers, meaning kids may have a chance to take in more of Bajrangi’s divine comedy. Cosmos-Maya is planning 10 TV movies and a theatrical film.
Anish Mehta, CEO of Cosmos-Maya, said, “Selfie with Bajrangi has just exploded. Programming of the show was just as important as the creative aspect and I’ll take this opportunity to thank team Disney.”
The studio attributes the show’s success to its universal relatability, spicing up familiar characters and events with plenty of novelty. Centered on a quintessential Indian family, the series shows what happens when young protagonist Ankush meets nine-year-old god Bajrangi — who only Ankush can see. The show is modeled on kids’ day to day lives and beautifully encapsulates the nuances of Indian culture in an entertaining format. Bajrangi does not just help his buddy Ankush with his day to day problems, he helps comfort the millions of young viewers.
“With Selfie with Bajrangi, we ticked all the boxes pertaining to Indian entertainment,” said Dheeraj Berry, SVP Development & Current Projects for Cosmos-Maya and creator of the series. “There is the beloved Hanuman, there is a quintessential Indian family, there are mild antagonists. Basically, it is a very feel good show that the entire family can enjoy. Thank you to Disney for helping us build this brand with their innovative programming strategies.”
Selfie with Bagrangi has become a daily favorite for families in India, and Ankush and Bajrangi have become household names. As the series follows the successful path of Motu Patlu, Cosmos-Maya is looking to extend the IP with a licensing and merchandising program.
“We are now our own competitors,” added Mehta. “Selfie with Bajrangi is everything Motu Patlu is not. L&M is the next logical step with this proven and consistent success. Motu Patlu’s foray into consumer products began two years after its launch. Selfie with Bajrangi has taken less time in establishing itself as a highly relatable brand.”
