Crunchyroll expands its regional catalog with the release of Naruto’s first three seasons in Indian languages in India
Mumbai, India– Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming giant, has added the timeless classic Naruto Seasons 1-3 to its platform, now available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs. These regional dubs, originally produced for Sony YAY! and premiered on the Indian television channel in August 2022, mark a significant milestone in Crunchyroll’s mission to cater to India’s burgeoning anime fanbase. While the English and Japanese versions of Naruto are available on Netflix, these localized dubs are exclusive to Sony YAY! and Crunchyroll, offering Indian fans a unique way to experience the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, the spirited ninja aspiring to become Hokage.
The Addition of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs bring a fresh, relatable flavor to the iconic story, making it accessible to a broader audience. Crunchyroll’s move also hints at more dubbed content on the horizon, with speculation swirling that titles like Naruto Shippuden, Black Clover, and Fullmetal Alchemist may soon join the platform in regional languages.
Sony Yay Launches Crunchyroll Anime Block on TV
Sony YAY!, a leading force in India’s animation market, is at the heart of this anime revolution. The channel recently launched a dedicated Crunchyroll block, featuring rerun airings of Naruto Shippuden to capitalize on the series’ enduring popularity. This block strengthens Sony YAY!’s partnership with Crunchyroll, blending television broadcasts with streaming to create a seamless anime ecosystem for fans. The Crunchyroll block has already gained traction, with viewers tuning in to relive Naruto’s epic battles in dubbed formats.
Sony YAY! Strengthens Market Position with Top Anime Titles and Multi-Cross Platform Strategy
Ambesh Tiwari, Business Head of Sony YAY!, elaborated on the channel’s growth strategy, emphasizing anime as a key pillar. “We are positioning ourselves as a home for anime lovers,” Tiwari stated. “Our animation offerings are available on Sony LIV, and we’re syndicating content across platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll to maximize reach.” Sony YAY! has acquired major anime titles, including Naruto, Naruto Shippuden and Black Clover with plans to secure five to six of the top ten most popular anime series in the coming years. These acquisitions aim to solidify Sony YAY!’s dominance in a competitive market where anime demand is skyrocketing.
Tiwari also highlighted the role of multi-platform distribution and experiential marketing in keeping Sony YAY! ahead of the curve. By partnering with Crunchyroll for the new block and streaming deals, Sony YAY! ensures fans can access their favorite shows on TV, mobile apps, or OTT platforms. Additionally, the channel is engaging audiences through anime-themed events, merchandise, and digital campaigns. “Anime is about connection,” Tiwari said. “We’re building communities where fans can immerse themselves in these worlds, whether through a live event or a dubbed episode on the Crunchyroll block.”
Crunchyroll Expands Regional Dubbed Library in india
Crunchyroll’s inclusion of Naruto Seasons 1-3 in regional dubs aligns with its broader strategy to become the ultimate destination for anime fans in India. Recognizing the importance of localization, the platform has been aggressively expanding its dubbed content library, with over 80 titles already available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Recent additions like over 10 Titles from the current Spring Season Animes & Solo Leveling Season 2, featuring voiceovers by Indian celebrities like Rana Daggubati, showcase Crunchyroll’s commitment to high-quality dubs that resonate with local audiences.
The potential addition of Naruto Shippuden, Black Clover and Fullmetal Alchemist in dubbed formats has fans buzzing with anticipation. The way Crunchyroll is responding to viewer demand for more regional language options, particularly for iconic series that have shaped anime culture. Priced at just ₹79 per month, Crunchyroll remains one of the most affordable ways for Indian fans to access a vast library of over 800 anime titles, now enhanced with localized audio for dubbed-content enthusiasts.
The synergy between Crunchyroll and Sony YAY! is a game-changer for Indian anime fans. Sony YAY!’s Crunchyroll block and strategic acquisitions complement Crunchyroll’s streaming dominance, offering multiple avenues to enjoy series like Naruto. As both brands continue to invest in dubbed content and fan engagement, they’re not just meeting the anime boom—they’re driving it. With more seasons of Naruto and other beloved titles likely on the way, Indian fans can look forward to a richer, more accessible anime experience than ever before.
Source: Crunchyroll
