They will continue to set new standards, break new ground and create more winning moments over the next decade.
Motu Patlu, Nickelodeon’s iconic toon character, is celebrating 10 years of being the ultimate global icon. Motu Patlu has had a meteoric rise from their humble beginnings as children’s magazine Lotpot characters to become animated characters on television. There have been many milestones in the everlasting relationship that Motu Patlu has formed with young viewers across OTT, games, and other media. Nickelodeon and Cosmos Maya brought the legendary Motu Patlu to life. Today, it reaches more than 289 million viewers across 7 languages in India. Here’s a recap of the most memorable moments and winners from India’s favorite Nicktoon’s #10tastic adventure.
Victory with viewership
Motu Patlu was the first slot to be rated the highest on Nick in 2012. Its success story began within the launch week and has remained there ever since. The category is still relevant a decade later. Motu Patlu is a testimony to Nickelodeon’s difficult DNA. It currently ranks at the top of the channel and contributes 45 percent to Nick’s total ratings.
Growing Global Fandom
With digital distribution, love for Motu Patlu has crossed national boundaries as they continue to entertain its young viewers across continents in different languages. With a screen-agnostic approach, Motu Patlu has delivered and entertained young viewers with 1000+ stories across 560 episodes, 25 movies, and 20+ games across iOS and Android further growing its fandom across the globe. In 2018, Google Trends declared Motu Patlu as the most searched Indian TV show in the world, making it one of the most significant milestones for the dynamic duo.
Building Advertiser Trust
Motu Patlu’s strong values and fandom have led to integrations beyond FCT through brand films, product licensing, product placement in content, and brand films. This has added significant brand-building value for Indian advertisers. Motu Patlu’s popularity has earned him the patronage of many top advertisers, including Colgate and Parle Products, Pratap snacks, Pratap Van Melle, ITC, and Dabur, among others.
Nina Elavia Jaipuria (head, Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network), Viacom18 spoke about the decade-long success of Motu patlu. She said that Nickelodeon was a true revolution in Indian children’s entertainment. Nickelodeon launched Motu Patlu in India ten years ago. This was a time when Indian children’s entertainment needed more stories and characters. Motu Patlu was not only a beloved brand, but also a symbol of a new category that is proving to be an inspiration for parents, kids, and advertisers. We are grateful to our patrons, and we are thrilled to have completed 10 extremely successful years. We look forward to the next 10, with enthusiasm and zeal.
Anu Sikka, Creative, Content & Research, Kids TV Network, Viacom18, stated that it was a leap in faith to capture young minds and hearts through the decade-old IP Motu Patlu’. We not only introduce children to our first indigenous IP, but also introduced them to two adorable adult characters in an environment dominated by international kid cartoons. The duo was a great piece of storytelling and a huge success. But it was their affability, relatable camaraderie, and great storytelling that made them a runway success. Motu Patlu is the largest and most popular kids’ IP in India, having been launched as a homegrown IP. Motu Patlu is the result of our deep understanding and passion for kids content. We continue to tap white spaces, launch new IPs, and inspire kids with great stories and characters. Cosmos Maya and Lotpot are both a huge part of this incredible success story.
“Motu Patlu have grown to become icons that have carved a space for themselves in India’s story of homegrown toons and we are elated on being a part of this journey. We are very happy that we were able to bring characters to life that have become an intrinsic part of a kid’s childhood. We are delighted to have partnered with Nickelodeon on this journey which was truly visionary and one that opened avenues for growth for animation industry in India.” said Ketan Mehta, founder & MD, of Cosmos Maya.
10tastic Promotion Plans
Nickelodeon celebrates Motu Patlu’s 10th birthday with an extensive marketing campaign that includes on-air, digital, and on-ground promotions across Nickelodeon’s franchises, as well as activations with mommy networks, influencers, and more. In addition, reels, stories, and posts are being shared by top child influencers as well as new age content platforms. The Nickelodeon kids’ franchise launched a dance contest, which allows viewers to be featured on Nickelodeon’s social networks. This encourages interactivity. Brands within the network will also join the celebration, taking advantage of their network’s strength. They will engage in fun banter via Twitter and other social media handles to share the best Motu patlu moments!
Motu Patlu, one of the most beloved Toon icons, has provided unmatched engagement and happiness for children over the past decade. They will continue to set new standards, create new benchmarks, and have many more memorable moments in the next decade.
