New Delhi: The mischievous cartoon character Shinchan, loved across generations, is finally making his big-screen debut in India. The upcoming film, Crayon Shinchan: Hot Spicy! Kasukabe Dancers, the 33rd instalment of the long-running Japanese franchise, is the first Shinchan movie set in India. It will hit theatres nationwide on September 26, distributed by PVR INOX Pictures.
For countless Indian fans who grew up sneaking episodes of Shinchan between homework and family scoldings, this feels like a nostalgic homecoming. But how did Shinchan land in India after decades of adventures in Japan?
Bollywood’s influence on Shinchan’s India leap
Director Masakazu Hashimoto revealed that Bollywood played a huge role in the decision. Speaking to India Today at a promotional event, he said, “Indian movies are very, very popular in Japan. I really love films like RRR, Three Idiots, and English Vinglish. In Japan, we call it ‘Madam in New York’. I even watched Writing with Fire, which I thought was very powerful.”
This admiration for Indian cinema, along with Hashimoto’s own fascination with Indian culture, colours, and energy, laid the foundation for the film’s setting.
Exploring beyond metros
Instead of restricting the backdrop to popular cities like Delhi or Mumbai, the production team travelled through small towns and villages across India. Hashimoto recalled the warm welcome: “It was rare for a Japanese person to be in those places. People smiled at me everywhere I went, and those simple smiles really made me happy.”
This authenticity is expected to give the film a more rooted and relatable Indian feel, as Shinchan navigates weddings, cricket matches, and even spicy street food adventures.
Blending humour across cultures
Adapting Shinchan’s cheeky humour to an Indian audience posed challenges, but Hashimoto was confident. “I’m a big fan of Indian films, so I understand how to enjoy them. Appreciation is borderless. Humour doesn’t need translation.”
He added that freshness is key to the franchise’s longevity: “Even if something becomes a hit, we don’t repeat it. We want to create something new every time.” This ensures Shinchan remains unpredictable, whether dancing in Kasukabe or gate-crashing a Bollywood-style number.
Building a bridge between India and Japan
Hashimoto expressed hope that the film would not only entertain but also foster deeper connections between Indian and Japanese audiences. “The reactions of Japanese and overseas audiences are not necessarily the same. I’m really looking forward to how Indian audiences respond. I also hope this anime boom isn’t temporary. Animation can become a way of communication, and I want that connection to last long-term.”
Nostalgia and anticipation
For Indian fans, Shinchan’s arrival is soaked in nostalgia. From his mischievous one-liners to his silly dance moves, the character has long been a household name. Now, with Hot Spicy! Kasukabe Dancers, the troublemaker is ready to bring his antics to Indian streets, promising a film that will be spicy, chaotic, and impossible not to love.