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Reliance Entertainment and TV Tokyo Bring Ninja Clash to Big Screens in June 2025
MUMBAI — In a landmark moment for India’s burgeoning anime fandom, Reliance Entertainment has joined forces with Japan’s TV Tokyo and Happening 365 to bring the iconic Naruto film franchise to Indian theatres starting June 2025. Kicking off this cinematic journey is Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004), set to dazzle audiences in Hindi, English, and Japanese, marking the first time these beloved films will hit the big screen in the country.
India’s anime craze, fueled by a fanbase estimated at 53 million strong, has found a new outlet with this theatrical rollout. Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow follows Naruto Uzumaki and his ninja team as they protect an actress in a frozen kingdom, blending high-octane action with the series’ signature themes of loyalty and courage. The decision to offer the film in multiple languages aims to bridge cultural gaps and draw both die-hard fans and newcomers. “This is a dream come true,” said Arjun Patel, a 24-year-old anime enthusiast from Ahmedabad. “Watching Naruto in a theatre with Hindi dubbing feels like the ultimate fan experience.”
Reliance Entertainment, a heavyweight in India’s media landscape, sees the partnership as a chance to tap into anime’s soaring popularity. “Naruto has a massive following here, and we’re thrilled to bring its cinematic adventures to audiences nationwide,” said Dhruv Sinha, Head of International Business at Reliance Entertainment. The company’s track record, with over 400 films distributed globally, lends weight to its ambition to make anime a theatrical staple in India.
TV Tokyo, the powerhouse behind Naruto’s global success, emphasized accessibility as a key goal. “Releasing the films in Hindi, English, and Japanese ensures every fan can enjoy the story in their preferred language,” said Hiroaki Saiki, TV Tokyo’s Head of Global Distribution. Happening 365, a partner in the venture, echoed this sentiment, with spokesperson Kalpita Jadhav noting, “We’re not just screening movies; we’re building a legacy for Naruto in India.” Plans for subsequent films, including Legend of the Stone of Gelel and Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, are in the works, though exact dates remain unconfirmed.
The announcement has sparked a frenzy online, with #NarutoInIndia trending on X and fans sharing nostalgic posts about their love for the series. India’s anime market, valued at over ₹500 crore, has grown exponentially, with theatrical releases like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and My Hero Academia: You’re Next paving the way. Yet, challenges loom—high ticket prices and limited screenings in smaller cities could test accessibility. Still, industry observers are optimistic. “This could redefine how anime is consumed in India,” said Dr. Anjali Mehta, a pop culture analyst at Delhi University. “It’s a bold step toward mainstreaming the genre.”
As June approaches, anticipation is building for Naruto’s big-screen debut, promising a shared cinematic experience that unites fans across generations. For India’s ninja faithful, the Hidden Leaf Village is about to feel closer than ever.
Source: Reliance Entertainment Press Release, TV Tokyo Statement, Interview with Dhruv Sinha, Variety India Entertainment Desk
