Krishan Jangir
New Dubs, Events, and Partnerships Aim to Deepen Anime’s Roots in a Booming Market
HYDERABAD — With India’s anime fanbase swelling to an estimated 53 million, Crunchyroll, the world’s leading anime streaming platform, is doubling down on its efforts to capture the hearts of viewers nationwide. From regional language dubs to high-profile events, the company is rolling out an ambitious strategy to transform India into a global anime powerhouse, tapping into a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.
India’s love for anime has surged in recent years, fueled by iconic series like Naruto, One Piece, and Demon Slayer. Recognizing this, Crunchyroll has expanded its offerings with Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for popular titles, making anime more accessible to diverse audiences. “India is a priority market for us,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, in a recent statement. “With 53 million fans and counting, we’re committed to delivering content that resonates locally while celebrating the global spirit of anime.”
The platform’s efforts go beyond streaming. Crunchyroll has made waves with immersive fan experiences, such as its presence at Mumbai Comic Con 2025, where it showcased a One Piece Egghead Island-style laboratory and hosted anime trivia showdowns. Thousands flocked to the event, snapping photos with the Crunchyroll GlamBOT and vying for exclusive merchandise. “It felt like stepping into my favorite anime,” said Priya Menon, a 22-year-old fan from Pune. “Crunchyroll is bringing our passion to life.”
The numbers underscore the opportunity. A 2025 industry report estimates India’s anime and manga market has grown 300% since the pandemic, driven by young viewers aged 15–30. Crunchyroll’s subscriber base in India, while undisclosed, is believed to be a significant chunk of its global 15 million users. To fuel this growth, the platform has partnered with Amazon Prime Video, offering over 800 titles for just ₹79 per month, a price point designed to compete with piracy and attract new fans.
Crunchyroll’s localization efforts are also paying off. The recent Hindi-dubbed release of Solo Leveling Season 2 drew record streams, with fans praising the authenticity of the voice acting. “Hearing Jinwoo speak Hindi felt so natural,” said Arjun Rao, a college student in Chennai. “It’s like the show was made for us.” The platform plans to dub 10 more titles in regional languages by mid-2025, including Fire Force Season 3 and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.
Beyond entertainment, Crunchyroll is investing in India’s creative future. The company opened a regional office in Hyderabad last year and is developing an original Indian anime series, Project K, in collaboration with Japanese studios. “We want to tell Indian stories through the lens of anime,” said a Crunchyroll spokesperson. “It’s about blending cultures and inspiring the next generation of creators.”
Challenges remain, including competition from Netflix and Hulu, which are also vying for India’s anime audience. Yet, Crunchyroll’s focus on community—through events, social media engagement, and fan-driven content—sets it apart. As anime continues to weave itself into India’s cultural fabric, Crunchyroll’s bold moves signal a future where the Land of the Rising Sun’s art form finds a second home in the subcontinent.
Source: Crunchyroll Press Release, Deloitte India Media Report 2025, Interview with Rahul Purini, Hindustan Times Entertainment Desk
