It's Full Steam Ahead for Anime in India: Crunchyroll's Future Plans
Crunchyroll declares growth in anime popularity: Solo Leveling, Kaiju No 8 dubs dominating India's market, redefining niche genre perception
Hey there, anime fans! The anime scene in India has experienced a meteoric rise over the past few years, and it doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon. We caught up with Akshat Sahu, the senior director of marketing for the Asia-Pacific region at Crunchyroll, to get the inside scoop on what Crunchyroll has in store for India.
After the triumphant wrap-up of Mumbai Comic Con, which showcased the increasing popularity of anime in India, Sahu shed light on Crunchyroll's future plans. He noted that their growth in India has been significant, with a focus on Gen Z and young millennials, fueled by social media trends, a rise in fan communities, and strong dubbing support in regional languages.
With India ranking among the top growth markets for Crunchyroll globally, thanks to anime favorites like Solo Leveling, ONE PIECE, Kaiju No.8, and Demon Slayer, this growth signifies a shift in perceptions, as anime is no longer considered a niche interest but instead a staple of pop culture.
Crunchyroll's ongoing success is tied to the love for anime worldwide, with strong fan communities existing in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and APAC. Sahu emphasized that India continues to grow rapidly and is among the top 10 regions for the anime platform.
The streaming platform's popularity frequently depends on a balanced demand for classics such as ONE PIECE and Naruto, which continue to enjoy strong fan loyalty, and new exclusive titles like Solo Leveling, Mashle: Magic and Muscles, and Kaiju No.8, which "have quickly built large, dedicated fanbases."
Crunchyroll constantly strives to create a high-quality, immersive experience, not simply translating content but truly localizing it. Though some fans may still find dubbed versions "cringey," Sahu believes they have been instrumental in making anime more accessible to a wider audience, including first-time viewers.
As of now, Crunchyroll's library boasts more than 100 titles dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Titles such as Solo Leveling and Kaiju No.8 have seen strong uptake in Indian languages, particularly among younger audiences and viewers outside metropolitan areas.
Crunchyroll's partnership with A-list actors like Rana Daggubati and Ali Fazal for Solo Leveling's Indian dubs has been instrumental in drawing a wider audience. The platform aims to continue this trend by collaborating with more artists who genuinely connect with the characters or stories, align with the values of anime, and resonate with the audience.
For the full interview with Akshat Sahu, stay tuned to FE.com! We'll bring you more exclusive insights on Crunchyroll's future plans and the expansion of anime in India. In the meantime, let us know which titles you're most excited to see dubbed in Indian languages in the comments below!
[Sources]1. Enrichment Data - Crunchyroll's support for Indian languages2. Enrichment Data - Crunchyroll's growth in India3. Enrichment Data - Crunchyroll's focus on new and classic titles4. Enrichment Data - Crunchyroll's approach to dubbing and localization5. Enrichment Data - Crunchyroll's presence at Mumbai Comic Con 2025
- The rise of anime popularity in India is pushing forward at an unprecedented pace, indicating a shift in its status from a niche interest to a core aspect of pop culture.
- Crunchyroll, the anime streaming platform, is keen on delivering a top-notch, immersive viewing experience by localizing content for Indian audiences, rather than just translating it.
- Developing countries like India rank among the top growth markets for Crunchyroll globally, due to the growing fandom and strong demand for shows like Solo Leveling and Demon Slayer.
- The partnership between Crunchyroll and A-list actors like Rana Daggubati and Ali Fazal has significantly boosted the platform's reach in India, capturing the interest of a broader audience.
- Crunchyroll's plans for the future extend beyond India, with the intention to collaborate with more artists who can authentically connect with the anime community, uphold anime values, and captivate the audience.
- As technology continues to evolve and lifestyle preferences grow more diverse, the finance sector, entertainment industries like Bollywood, sports, and defi could potentially learn from Crunchyroll's successful approach to catering to the needs and interests of Gen Z and young millennials.
