A New Chapter for the OG Crew
If you grew up with Doraemon, you already know the vibes. After dominating Indian television for 21 years, the franchise is finally heading to the big screen. Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil drops in theaters across India on Oct. 2. You’ll be able to catch the movie in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, keeping it exactly how fans are used to hearing the squad.
Why it’s giving Main Character Energy
This isn't just a random cash grab. TV Asahi, the studio behind the magic, is aiming for a massive long-term play. Sumida Maiko, head of animation and sales, says the goal is to keep this franchise thriving for the next 50 to 100 years. By keeping the language localization authentic and focusing on the core characters fans have loved for two decades, they’re betting on that multi-generational loyalty.
The Remake Strategy
This film is actually a fresh take on a 1983 classic, but don't worry—they aren't messing with the DNA of the original. Chief producer Nakajima Susumu of Shin-Ei Animation mentioned that while they’ve upgraded the visuals with modern CG and compositing to keep things looking sharp, they’re still keeping that "analog warmth" of hand-drawn animation that makes the series feel like home. The goal is to keep the "Doraemon-ness" intact—making sure Nobita and the gang act like themselves, even when they’re caught in an epic undersea adventure.
Why it matters
India has become a massive market for anime, and by bringing a legacy title like Doraemon to theaters, TV Asahi is signaling that they’re ready to invest in a 360-degree approach to the region. It’s lowkey iconic to see a series that has defined childhoods for over two decades continue to evolve for a whole new set of fans.
