Overview of Anime Airing in Indian TV in 2021

In 2021, several popular anime series were aired on Indian television channels, filling entertainment slots with content beloved by both young and adult audiences. This article delves into the notable anime that made their way to Indian screens, how censors influenced the content, and why certain popular anime like Naruto and One Piece faced challenges.

Popular Anime Aired in Indian TV in 2021

The following anime shows were a part of regular programming on Indian television channels, bringing joy to fans:

Naruto: The classic ninja anime continued its popularity on channels like Disney XD and Cartoon Network. Dragon Ball Super: Fans of the Dragon Ball franchise were captivated by the ongoing adventures on various channels. Pokémon: As a long-running series, Pokémon remained a staple on channels such as Disney Channel India and Hungama TV. One Piece: Although it had a limited run, some episodes were aired on channels like Cartoon Network. Doraemon: The beloved series continued to air, appealing to younger audiences on various channels. Detective Conan: Episodes of this mystery anime were aired on channels like Hungama TV. Digimon: Various seasons of Digimon were aired, targeting younger viewers.

These shows were accessible to audiences without needing a subscription to OTT platforms, making them a part of the regular entertainment lineup on Indian television.

Recent Developments

As of August 15, 2022, Naruto resumed airings on Sony Group channels after a hiatus, with the show capturing the attention of viewers. Additionally, the popular animated series Avatar the Last Airbender is currently airing on ETV Bal Bharat, with intriguing content being shared during the broadcasts.

Some viewers have expressed a desire to see uncensored, original versions of these anime, but significant challenges arise due to the content's sensitivity and cultural norms in India.

Censorship and Licensing Issues

Certain anime series like Naruto and One Piece faced challenges due to censorship and licensing issues. For instance, while Naruto had limited airings in the past due to its depiction of blood and its harem jutsu, these elements were deemed too sensitive to be removed. Similarly, One Piece, though aired, had a limited run due to similar concerns.

Description from a viewer: 'I don’t think so, any anime except Pokemon, Doraemon, or Shinchan can be aired in India because of too much blood or too much sexualization of some character. Like Naruto, it was a bit aired in India some years ago but because of blood and his Harem Jutsu, it cannot be removed from the episode.'

The need for censored versions of anime is a common occurrence, with limited content being accessible to Indian audiences. Censors often remove scenes involving violence, gore, and sexual content to cater to the predominantly family-oriented nature of Indian television.

The Future of Anime in Indian TV

Given the challenges of censorship and content sensitivity, the future of anime airing in Indian television is uncertain. While there are exceptions, such as Pokémon, Doraemon, and Shinchan, with their more family-friendly content, the vast majority of popular anime series face obstacles.

Concluding thoughts: 'Anime got nearly banned in India because of a lack of popularity and concerns from parents. Children#39;s parents complaining about the content led to significant changes. Today, very few uncensored anime will be aired in Indian TV in 2021.'

As the landscape of Indian television continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these challenges will be overcome and a wider range of anime will become available. However, for now, fans have to rely on the occasional airing of certain series and OTT platforms to satisfy their avid appetites for anime content.