Reliance Entertainment is set to bring the iconic anime series Naruto to Indian cinemas for the first time, with the theatrical release of Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Snow. This milestone marks a major step forward for anime distribution in India. The film will be released in Japanese, English, and Hindi to reach diverse regional audiences.
The project is a collaboration between Reliance Entertainment, Tokyo TV, and Happening 365 Synergies, reflecting a strategic push into one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets. Hiroaki Saimoku, Tokyo TV’s global distribution head, said, “We are honored to open a special cinematic journey for Indian audiences. Eleven theatrical Naruto films exist, and the first will premiere across India this month. We hope fans here will discover and enjoy them.”
Saimoku added, “This marks an important milestone in our global strategy, and we are excited to bring the Naruto legacy to India’s big screens. India is one of our fastest-growing international markets.”
Tejonidhi Bhandare, CEO of Reliance Animation, revealed plans for extensive outreach in schools and universities to establish Naruto as a cultural phenomenon among young viewers. “We are committed to building the Naruto brand nationwide through grassroots engagement,” Bhandare said. “This will help cultivate a new generation of anime fans.”
The release also informs Reliance Animation’s own original content development. Happening 365 Synergies executives, former Disney leaders Anuron and Kalpita, emphasized Naruto’s strong cultural resonance in India. “Anime has held a special place in Indian hearts, especially among children and millennials, for over two decades. The Naruto film highlights themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance that resonate deeply with Indian audiences.”
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Snow will premiere on June 27 in more than 200 theaters nationwide.
Dhruv Sinha, Head of International Business and Co-Distribution at Reliance Entertainment, said, “Naruto has a large and loyal fanbase in India. Screening it in over 200 theaters is both a tribute to these fans and part of our commitment to bringing diverse, culturally rich global content to Indian screens.”
This launch aligns with Reliance Entertainment’s broader strategy to leverage international intellectual properties in India. The company has produced and distributed over 400 films with global box office revenue exceeding $1 billion, along with media assets in animation and gaming to enable multi-platform monetization.
The theatrical debut of Naruto is expected to serve as a benchmark for future anime releases in India, testing demand for Japanese animation on the big screen. With a massive fanbase and multilingual release plan, the film is poised to expand India’s animation theater market.
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