From mythic heroes to futuristic worlds, India’s animation storytellers are reimagining culture for a global audience — and this November, they’re all coming home to Hyderabad. Powered by Green Gold Animation, Desi Toons 2025 at IndiaJoy will unite the country’s most creative minds in animation, VFX, and film to celebrate the art, business, and imagination driving India’s animation renaissance.
Actually, IndiaJoy 2025, the country’s largest and most influential festival driving the creative economy, is retuning for its 8th edition with an exciting line-up celebrating the convergence of creativity, innovation, and technology across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sectors.
Among the major highlights this year is Desi Toons 2025, the flagship animation conclave organised by Green Gold Animation—the pioneering studio behind India’s most beloved character, Chhota Bheem. The event will take place on November 1, 2025, at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).
A Celebration of India’s Animation Storytelling Legacy
Desi Toons 2025 stands as a vibrant testament to India’s storytelling heritage and creative innovation. Over the years, the conclave has been instrumental in addressing key challenges in the Indian animation ecosystem—from nurturing homegrown talent to advocating for supportive policies and creative infrastructure investment.
By bringing together creators, studios, investors, and policymakers, Desi Toons has influenced decisions shaping Telangana’s and India’s AVGC policies, skill development programs, and fiscal frameworks. This year’s edition continues that mission—exploring how homegrown creators are transforming culturally rooted narratives into globally resonant stories.
Masterclasses, Panels, and Fireside Chats with Industry Icons
The conclave will feature immersive masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions curated to empower creators, producers, and industry professionals driving India’s animation revolution.
The day will open with a keynote address by Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, followed by engaging sessions such as:
- Power Players of Indian Animation: Stories Behind the Names – Exploring the pioneers, producers, and studios that laid the foundation for Indian animation.
- Quiet Stories, Powerful Impact: Local Narratives Shaping Global Conversations – A masterclass highlighting culturally grounded storytelling that transcends borders.
- Fireside Chat: The Role of State & Central Government in Boosting the AVGC Sector – Examining policy measures, fiscal incentives, and frameworks driving India’s creative economy.
Stellar Line-Up of Creative Visionaries
Desi Toons 2025 will bring together some of India’s most influential animation, VFX, and film creators who have taken Indian stories global. Among the key speakers and guests are:
- Ashwin, Director of Mahavatar Narsimha (2025), who reimagined a mythological epic through cutting-edge animation.
- Nag Ashwin, Director of Kalki 2898 AD, known for blending mythology with futuristic science fiction.
- Sai Abhishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids at Warner Bros. Discovery, South Asia, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s content strategy.
Their collective presence will make the conclave a melting pot of creativity, insight, and inspiration.
Voices from the Leaders
Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation, said:
“Desi Toons has always reflected India’s creative spirit and our belief that Indian stories deserve a global stage. Through this platform, we celebrate the power of cultural authenticity—how stories rooted in our heritage can connect with audiences everywhere when told with imagination, passion, and technology. This year, we aim to spark collaborations that redefine the future of Indian animation.”
Madhava Reddy (Mike) Yatham from IndiaJoy added:
“We’re thrilled to see Desi Toons evolve into one of IndiaJoy’s flagship events. It embodies the festival’s mission of fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation across the AVGC ecosystem. Our partnership with Green Gold Animation underscores that India is not just a contributor but a creative leader with original voices and visionary talent shaping the global industry.”
About IndiaJoy
IndiaJoy is India’s largest gathering dedicated to advancing the creative economy, supported by the Government of Telangana. It brings together the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) industries on a global platform to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Known for its inclusive approach, IndiaJoy fosters cross-sector partnerships that strengthen India’s role as a hub for creative excellence.
🔗 Visit www.indiajoy.in for more information.
About Desi Toons
Desi Toons is India’s premier animation conclave organized by Green Gold Animation, one of the nation’s most acclaimed studios. It serves as a hub for animators, producers, and broadcasters to exchange ideas, explore technologies, and discover new storytelling frontiers. Since its inception, Desi Toons has inspired a generation of creators redefining what Indian animation can achieve on the global stage.