The film and animation industry has been one of the most impacted by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Many artists are speculating about the possibility of AI replacing animators, VFX artists, and even storytellers in the coming years. While the answer to this question remains uncertain, there is a glimmer of hope to be found in the pages of human history, emitting from a light bulb to save us all from this uncertainty.
There are numerous videos and articles that explain the potential of AI and its ability to produce content cheaply, quickly, and with less manpower. However, let’s not delve into that and instead jump straight into the question:
How can a light bulb save our jobs from AI?
To answer this, let’s consider the light bulb hanging on the rooftop of Livermore Fire Station, which has been continuously running since 1901. Yes, this little thing is proof of what humans can accomplish with technology. But here’s a hard truth: we will never get a bulb like that again. Yes, not just bulbs, in fact, we will never get anything that could last forever, whether it’s a car, a television set, or a cell phone. Why? Well, it’s due to a tactic known as ‘planned obsolescence.’
Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products with a limited lifespan, in order to encourage consumers to purchase new products more frequently. This can be achieved through various means, such as using low-quality materials that are prone to breaking or degrading, designing products with features that become outdated or obsolete over time, or simply making products that are difficult or costly to repair or maintain. In short, companies intentionally produce low-quality products for continued sales.
While you may view this as a cunning strategy employed by greedy corporations, there is a counterargument that suggests this practice is actually necessary. If everyone were to start receiving high-quality products that last forever, it would lead to a decrease in sales for companies and, eventually, job loss due to reduced production.
The Man in the White Suit
This concept was nicely shown in an Oscar-nominated film ‘The Man in the White Suit’ released in 1951. It’s a movie about a scientist who invents a highly durable fiber to make an unbreakable thread. Initially, everyone is thrilled by his scientific breakthrough, but by the end of the film, we see the workers and owners of the thread factory coming together to destroy the scientist and his invention. And believe it or not, this movie was inspired by real-life events.
Sure, at the core, ‘planned obsolescence’ comes across as an unethical practice, and people are raising their voices against it. However, it makes us aware of the fact that people in authority are aware of the implication of technological advancement on our lives.
The point being made is that just like the production of long-lasting bulbs and other such things was halted for profits and employment, authorities will not allow artificial intelligence (AI) to develop beyond a certain point or at least will not make certain advanced technologies publicly available. This is because the prosperity and economic stability of the people are crucial for the smooth functioning of any country. So, in a way, obtaining low-quality products or technologies can be seen as a blessing in disguise for humanity.
And even if AI advances beyond its current state, which is likely to happen, humans will likely find ways to adapt and work alongside it, similar to how computers have generated more jobs than were initially expected.
In Avatar: The Way of Water
In Avatar: The Way of Water, for example, human animators and VFX artists worked with cutting-edge technology to bring to life the magical world of Pandora. The film shows that while technology is advancing at a rapid pace, human creativity, and imagination will always be essential to the art of storytelling and filmmaking.
So to sum it up, while it is true that AI technology has the potential to revolutionize the film and animation industry, it is also important to consider the fact that the advancement of this technology will be limited by factors such as planned obsolescence and the need for economic stability.
Furthermore, the advancement of AI technology can actually lead to more job opportunities rather than fewer. For example, as AI technology becomes more prevalent in the film and animation industry, there will be a growing need for professionals with the skills and knowledge to work with this technology. This could include roles such as AI programmers, data analysts, and machine learning engineers. Additionally, the use of AI in the industry could lead to the creation of entirely new job roles that do not currently exist.
Moreover, while AI technology can create content quickly and cheaply, it cannot replace the creativity and unique perspectives that human artists bring to the table. The human touch and creative input is an essential parts of the filmmaking and animation process that cannot be replicated by machines. AI can assist and complement the work of human artists, but it cannot replace them entirely.
It is also worth noting that the film and animation industry has a long history of adapting to technological advancements. For example, when computer-generated imagery (CGI) was first introduced in the 1970s, there were concerns that it would replace traditional animation techniques. However, this did not happen, and instead, the two techniques coexist and are often used together in modern films.
In conclusion, while there are concerns about the impact of AI on the film and animation industry, there is no need to fear for our jobs. AI technology can complement and assist the work of human artists, but it cannot replace them entirely. Additionally, the advancement of AI technology can actually lead to more job opportunities in the industry. Therefore, it is important to embrace this technology and the opportunities it presents while also acknowledging the importance of the human touch and creativity in filmmaking and animation.
Welcome to AnimadWorld, today through this article we will explore Top 10 Best Indian Animated Shows made so far.
Alright, before you jump to a conclusion and scream, “The Jungle Book” from the ’90s is the best or perhaps the greatest Indian animated show of all time.
Then, I’ll ask you to please hold your excitement as many of you’ll be shocked to know that it’s not an Indian series but made and produced in Japan.
Now, let’s come back to explore the best Animated shows made and produced in our country. I understand that ranking the best series ever can be an impossible task as it’s hard to go through every show made so far.
Plus, as we know, art is pretty subjective. What you find interesting, the other person might not second that.
So, the closest we can get to have an accurate ranking is by referring to IMDB ratings given to the series by the beloved audiences.
But the problem with solely relying on these ratings is that they cannot be accurate as most shows have very few voters to compare with. So to qualify for that criteria, the show must have at least 70 votes given by the users.
I know it’s not a huge number, so for that reason, I might add my reviews about it as an animator, writer, and, most importantly, an audience.
At the same time, we will consider the quality of animation, storytelling, and popularity quotient, too, as it is a significant factor in kids’ content.
Sure, there are chances that you might disagree with the list and punch your screen or throw away your cell phone.
But, instead of getting annoyed by my reviews, I’ll request you to kindly mention your opinions in the comment section below.
So, let’s pull up our shocks and have a look at the Top 10 Best Indian Animated Shows of all time:
An animated version of a famous Bollywood movie starring Ajay Devgan and directed by Rohit Shetty, Golmaal Jr. was an experiment that paved the way for such content of transforming live-action films into animation.
It was a much-needed change the Indian Animation industry needed as most shows were based on kids with moral values saving the world. In comparison, this show explored the naughty side of children that made it so relatable and fun to watch.
It is also a special show for me as I started my television writing career with this series. And penning down the pilot episode gave me the confidence to pursue this medium.
Telecasted On Nicklodean India in 2012, Motu Patlu has retained its popularity amongst the masses since its debut.
Sure, Pew-die-Pie was shocked to see some of its scenes and criticized its quality and execution. But there is no doubt that Motu-Patlu is a hugely successful show in terms of demand and business in India.
It was released when Indian animation was still trying to make its presence feel amongst the foreign shows.
And there is no doubt that along with Chhota Bheem, Motu-Patlu ki Jodi did play a vital role in pulling the audiences towards home-grown content.
So considering how famous these two characters are and the role this series played in changing the industry, it surely deserves a place in our Top 10 Best Animated Shows of all time or so far.
Alright, I know the IMDb ratings aren’t that impressive, but there is no doubt that Little Singham is perhaps one of the most popular shows made so far.
Another character based on Ajay’ Devgan’s popular movie Singham once again directed by Rohit Shetty, Little Singham, is co-produced by Reliance Animation.
This show was an instant hit amongst the audiences, which can be seen in Discovery Kids TRP ratings after its debut.
And that’s why despite the limited animation and simple storylines, it deserves an honorable spot in our Top 10 Best Indian Animated shows of all time.
Winner of the best 3D animated show award recently, Bhoot Bandhus indeed pushed the boundaries of our imagination and animation content in India.
With a catchy title track written by great Gulzar, this show became an instant hit amongst kids due to its refreshing style, detailed storytelling, and fun animation.
Comparatively, the show’s quality is way better than many 3d animated shows available until now.
Hence, it deserves to be on our list of top 10 best India animated shows so far.
Well, the high IMDb rating of this show is excellent evidence of Bandbudh and Budbak’s success amongst the audiences.
When period shows like Chhota Bhee, Krishna, Arjun, etc., were ruling the Tv screens with their high spirits, brave acts, and moral messages.
These two naughty kids were taking punishments, bunking classes, eating tiffins during lectures. A concept that most of us can relate to.
Maybe being ahead of time didn’t work in their favor, and it was taken off air just after two seasons. But it indeed left a mark within our memories with its unique design, look and feel, and relatability.
I’m sure everyone remembers this semi-human rendition of Krishna with a new twist in the old tale of popular mythology.
Debuted on Cartoon Network during the channel’s good old times, this show had everything to succeed during that period. High-quality animation, engaging storytelling, catchy title, and relatability factor as the show was based on a school premise.
Plus, as it targeted an audience already aware of Krishna and Kans’ back story, the show made the most out of the classic rivalry.
It showed the audiences that we can take the existing characters from mythology and make something different.
This creative idea was very novel for kids at that time and opened the doors of our imagination.
04/10- Disney’s Bhaagam Bhaag (2019)
IMDB Ratings: Not available.
Animation Quality: 7/10
Story Telling: 6.5/10
Popularity: 4/10
Average score: 5.8
Pic Courtesy: Cosmos Maya and Toonz Media Group
Please don’t get confused and think of it as another show based on a Bollywood franchise. Disney’s Bhaagam Bhaag is an entirely independent series produced by Cosmos Maya Animation Studio and is telecasted on the Disney channel.
I know, what you are thinking, but there are no ratings available to it, so how can I judge the show?
Well, that’s because I worked on it as a Writer for a few episodes. And based on my experiences, I can surely tell you that Bhaagam Bhaag was quality content with top-notch animation, funny gags, and multi-layered storytelling.
Sadly, it didn’t manage to garner the popularity it deserved, but it is undoubtedly a top-five material in a true sense in our list of top 10 best indian animated shows.
Shocked! Right? Well, if there has to be a list of the most popular shows, then Chhota Bheem will undoubtedly win the race by a significant margin. It is indeed one of the if not the most famous animated series ever produced in India.
And more than that, it played a massive role in transforming the Indian animated industry and opened the door for many shows.
But despite its outstanding achievements, the reason it’s in the number three spot is due to its low IMDb ratings, unimproved animation style, and repetitive storytelling format.
But hey! It’s still a podium finish in our top 10 best Indian animated shows ! And this show deserves every bit of success.
And personally, I really enjoyed working on Chhota Bheem’s many episodes as a writer, and we did experiment few new things.
The Green Gold production team working on it is excellent, and hopefully, they will be able to bring the change we all want to see.
02/10 Titoo (2020)
IMDb ratings: N/A
Animation Quality: 6/10
Story Telling: 7/10
Popularity: 6/10
Average score: 6.3
Pic Courtesy: Comos Maya
There is something about Titoo that makes it such an incredible show to watch. I remember seeing it for the first time and instantly thought it would be a hit show.
It kinda reminded me of Shinchan at first, considering the main character’s mischievous nature, back-answering, and knack of getting into trouble. But it is a more trimmed-down version that can suit the Indian audiences and censorship.
Overall, the animation quality is more than decent, the writing is fun, and overall execution makes it worthy of the number two spot in our list of top 10 best Indian animated shows so far.
01/10 The Adventures of Tenali Raman (2003) & Mighty Little Bheem (2019)
Yes, there is a tie for number one spot in our top 10 best Indian animates shows list, and it’s so hard to choose one between these two shows. The best part about them is considering the period between these series; it somehow shows the journey of commercial Indian animation.
Tenali Raman is when it all started in early 2000, and Mighty Little Bheem rose to fame just a couple of years ago. Let’s talk about them one by one.
This show is exceptional in all sense. It showcased the potential of Indian animation to us and paved the way for an industry trying to find its place.
In the hundred years long history of animation in India, we finally had something we could call our own.
I remember watching it for the first time on cartoon networks in my teens and was instantly captivated by the animation, storytelling, and execution. I was so impressed by it that a little voice in my teenage heart wanted to meet the people working behind it.
And I was just in school, not knowing that I’d be pursuing animation as a career in the coming years.
And luckily, after a few years, I got my first writing project with the same company responsible for making such a masterpiece. That company is Toonz Media group, and they are one of the pioneers of commercial animation in India.
Unfortunately, due to high production costs and limited demand for Indian content during that time, this series didn’t run for long and was taken off air after just one season.
But if you ask me personally, this is indeed one of the best shows our country has produced so far, and it has a level of content we can be genuinely proud of.
I hope all our animation programs would have followed their footsteps and kept the quality as high as The adventures of Tenali Raman.
But sadly, Indian animation was not able to match the standards due to many restrictions and limitations we will discuss in our “The Faults in our Art!” blog series.
Well, what was started with Tenali Raman was finally matched by Mighty Little Bheem. This show is perfect in all senses, and it’s something that demonstrates the potential of artists and creators in this country.
Impeccable animation, funny gags, engaging storytelling, cute characters are a few reasons this series became an instant international hit.
But the real secret of its success lies in the same principles applied in the movie Hanuman released in 2005.
If there is any show that fully utilizes these principles to the best of its abilities, then it’s “Mighty Little Bheem.” And hence, along with Tenali Raman, it rightfully deserves the number one spot in our list of top ten best Indian animated shows so far.
But the vital question is, what are these principles I’m giving so much credit to?
So here we go, these are the best-animated shows our country has produced so far. I tried my best to rate them, but please share your thoughts in the comment section below if you don’t agree with anything.
So finally, after years of constant demand and protest on social media by DC fans around the globe, “The Snyder Cut Justice League” is out. And fortunately, this version has managed to undo the damage caused by the theatrical release in 2017. A film that caused more grief to our heroes than all the villains combined in the history of the DC universe. But now, the Synder Cut has lifted the burden from the shoulders of our esteemed protagonists and cleared the stain caused on their characters.
But in this article, we are not going to compare the two films as the reviews are out, and everyone can clearly see the impact it has been creating since it went online. Audiences and critics alike are showering praises on this new 2021 release, and everyone seems to feel a sense of relief as all the hard work has been finally paid off. So instead, we will emphasize an essential aspect of any art form that needs to be cherished by those around the creator, and that is “The Vision of An Artist.”
So much has been written and said about Zack Synder’s fallout with Warner Bros and how he was constantly interrupted by the management to alter things according to their terms and conditions. And I am not even stating on Joss Whedon’s arrival but things that were happening way before Zack decided to walk away. Initially, everyone was on the impression that Snyder left the project due to the unfortunate demise of his lovely daughter. But recently, he admitted in interviews that he was at loggerhead with producers almost from day one. But my question is, WHY?
Yes! Why do people who are supposed to oversee the finance, amenities,
standards, practices, etc., exhibit the need to interfere between the artist and his vision? Sure I agree that they have the best intention to make the product marketable and keep it out of any trouble. But why would someone who has no creative background feel the need to pierce their creative perspective into a vision of someone who has already proved their abilities to heighten the audiences’ experience through their take on things?
But this isn’t the first time such a thing has happened and probably won’t be last as most artists deal with it all the time since the dawn of professional artistry. We have been programmed to believe that customer is king or client is always right, because of which most artists have no choice but to compromise on their artistic values and alter their approach towards the work. I understand that many won’t have any issues with it as in the end, our motto is to make the clients delighted.
But my question is, shall the same principles need to be applied to an artwork meant to be made by larger audiences than a specific client?. Because in this case, the end client is the audience and not executives sitting across the board. Sure, an artist isn’t going to deliver a masterpiece every time they paint the canvas. But at least they have the in-depth knowledge of shades of their work and knows how to get the best out of it, especially if they have a proven track record.
Executive and Producer’s inputs are vital and need to consider respectfully as a lot is at stake with such a big-budget project. But at the same time, they need to respect the artist’s vision as well and give them the creative freedom required to make a better commodity. Imagine if the artist starts taking a call on the finances and what if it justifies the need to show blood in a kids movie. I am sure he will be immediately shown the way out cause of obvious reasons.
Just like that, non-creatives shall not be liable to decide which scenes are suitable in the context of the story and which ones shall be axed as long as it follows the norms of standards and practices. Like it happened with Batman and Joker’s Knightmare scene as the studio wasn’t pleased with its inclusion. On the other hand, Snyder precisely knew why he needs that iconic moment in the narrative of this epic mythology. And guess what, it turned out to be the most talked-about aspect of the whole Justice League Saga.
And this is just one instance; there are many such incidents where the artists were not given the creative liberty to pursue their vision, which eventually blinded the whole project. A couple of such examples are Edger Wright’s departure from Ant-Man and Patty Jenkins, quitting the much-maligned Marvel sequel Thor: The Dark World, all due to the classic “Creative differences” melodrama. Sure, some decisions work in favor of the studio, but in-case an artist goes away in the middle of the project, it gets way complicated for the other person to fill the shoe as it happened with Justice League.
The authorities need to understand that art can’t be commerce-driven but needs to be molded with feelings and emotions. That’s what separates it from the business. That’s what makes these fictional characters so relatable despite their superhuman persona. That’s what the superhero genre has become so vast and integral part of our pop culture because few artists created them with all the love and affection, away from the greed and need to make it market-friendly.
And it is always going to stay that way when it comes to art and the artist’s passion for their craft. No money, no strategy, no market can replicate that, and it’s high time to realize this essential truth of creative endeavors, which is once again proven by Zack Snyder.
“The Synder Cut is just not a directorial take on a film, but it’s a huge statement made by an artist struggling to get things done by his vision. It’s a revolutionary moment in the history of any art form that demands to break the shackles tied around artists’ wrists. It’s vivid evidence of what could happen if the original creator has been given the freedom to follow his or her heart, all for the sake of making an inspiring art. Think About It!”
Do you agree with this article, do share your perspective in the comment section below. Also, do read my take on similar struggles faced by Indian artists in the section “THE FAULTS IN OUR ARTS!
For anyone who grew up in the 90s, cartoons were a way of living, or should I say they were, in fact, our whole life. Unlike today, where kids are glued on multiple platforms for their amusement, back then, animated shows were a significant source of entertainment that brought a glimpse of complexity in our mundane world.
Yes, on the surface, most of these characters came across as goofy with eccentric behavior stuck in an abnormal situation. But deep down, they were layered with wisdom, knowledge, and philosophical aspects of day-to-day life. All we need to do was to look beyond their exaggerated actions and focus on how they use these actions to deal with their existing problems.
And it won’t take you much time to discover the true essence of their existence, which revealed that just like us, they were struggling too. But unlike us, they were good at dealing with these problems.
So here are ten essential lessons our animated mates taught me and many who grew up in the nineties.
1) It’s Okay To Get Rejected:
Even a character as eccentric asJohny Bravo taught us that harsh flirting is never a way to win a woman’s affection, and overconfidence isn’t going to take you long in life.
But more importantly, no matter what, constant rejection shouldn’t deter you from loving yourself.
2) Courage Matters:
Sure, it was evident by looking at those superheroes who selflessly sacrificed themselves for the greater good. But Courage, the cowardly dog, taught us that it’s okay to be scared. However, you have to face it head-on.
Life’s spookiness will haunt you, but if you stick around for longer than usual, then you can win over things beyond your control. All we need to do is, show a little courage, take that daunting step, and see ourselves becoming the hero we want to be.
3) Be Yourself:
Alladin taught us to be ourselves. Being someone else will not help you in the long run.
Once you discover your true self, even your wildest dream can turn into reality.
4) Happiness Is Choice:
The Flintstones is an excellent example of how life can be fun without technology.
Despite the lack of comfortable amenities, they were happy beyond the measures and used their creative mind to turn obstacles into opportunities.
5) Dream a Little Dream:
Dexter’s laboratory explored the concept of having a worthwhile goal in life and working towards it. Sure the cheerful banter between the siblings was its most relatable part.
But deep down, Dexter’s ambition and passion for science surely inspired many kids to wear those gloves and change the world, even if a little.
6) It’s Okay To Make Mistakes:
One of the most beloved characters, “Scooby-Doo,” taught us to never be afraid of screwing up. Because making mistakes proves that you are trying something and you never know, those mistakes can help you solve the biggest mystery surrounding us.
7) Eating Vegetable Matters:
Let’s face it, as kids, most of us hated eating those green food items, but Popeye managed to change our perception, at least towards spinach. It wasn’t the tastiest vegetable amongst the lot, but we indeed ate it in the hope of gaining some big biceps and beating our bullies.
Sure, this vegetable does have a beneficial impact if consumed on a regular basis. But later, we realize that Spinach was just a metaphorical way to show that, no matter how much life seems complicated. We can turn it around in seconds by sere willpower.
8) Planet Matters:
Sure, our schools tried their best to make us understand the impact of environmental issues on our lives. But Captain Planet motivated us to take concrete actions for protecting our mother earth through small steps like recycling and reusing.
This was the show that created that spark in our innocent hearts to care about our environment and showed us, by doing so, how anyone can become a hero.
9) Equality Matters:
Before Powerpuff girls debuted, we were not used to seeing a show led by female protagonists as we never envisioned them kicking asses and breaking jaws.
But this series changed our perception and showed us that girls are as powerful as boys, and it’s wrong to judge anyone based on gender. This show was a great advocate of equality and broke all the traditional barriers of animation storytelling. Apart from these badass heroines, this show also featured a villain, a transgender character, the first of its kind to be featured in a kid’s show, to the best of my knowledge.
10) Fear Matters:
I can go on and on about the valuable lessons that have been bestowed on us through these shows and still fall short. But if I have to choose one character that impacted my life and a whole generation more than anybody else, then it has to be “THE BATMAN.”
I remember myself as a child, running around wearing a mask made from paper, draped in a cape made of a towel. Back then, I was too small to understand the dark knight’s philosophical and psychological side until I started gaining some maturity to look deeply into his personality.
No other character has profoundly influenced a generation and their identity like Batman. Because it deals with one of the most critical aspects of human emotions, “FEAR.” It taught us that everyone has fears, but conquering them is what matters. It taught us that fear is a necessity; it helps us grow. It taught us that it takes courage to accept your fear.
Another essential aspect of human nature the dark knight deals with is “loss.” The older we get, the more things we lose; that’s life. But losing your near and dear ones at an early age can be daunting for anyone. Even though the incident of his parents being assassinated right in front of his eyes destroyed him from within. He didn’t choose to use it as an excuse to blame everyone and everything around him.
Instead, he made a conscious choice of taking the matter into his own hands and help those in need by wearing the mask and saving the needful from unholy acts. That’s how he taught us how the choices we make in our life can seal our fate and determine our destiny.
On a personal level, I can’t say that Batman has changed me because it’s continuously changing me even today in some other ways. It’s still teaching me the essential lessons life has to offer, it’s still helping me grow, and I am always surprised every time I reflect on the bright side of the Dark Knight.
I will leave you with one of his quotes which will showcase his ability to inspire and motivate you:
“All men have limits. They learn what they are and learn not to exceed them. I ignore mine.”
-THE BATMAN.
Which is your favorite show and character that made your childhood special? Do share your experience in the comments section below. And to know more about me, please check the About Me section! 🙂
Joker, one of the most disturbing movies about a mentally ill patient turning into a psychopathic clown, has an underlying message for the so-called civilized society.
And that is “BE NICE TO EACH OTHER,” “UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER,” and most importantly, “LISTEN TO EACH OTHER.”
Although I won’t justify Gotham’s lunatic son’s actions, the director and writer are somewhat holding the saner section responsible for it. It’s easy to get lost in the Joker’s brutalities, creepy attitude, and insane actions.
But we need to dig deeper to comprehend its philosophical aspects, which urges us to take a step back, take a deep breath. And take a little time out of our busy lives to introspect. And stop pretending to be blind towards those who need us.
Or else, the consequences could be that we might end up creating someone like the Joker. As not everyone is strong enough to bear the pain of constant bullying, physical abuse, and failures.
The movie also highlights the pay-gap issues as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer as time goes by. Well, sure, that’s the government’s task to bridge the gap, but at the same time, a little act of kindness on our part can go a long way. And if not much, we could manage to bring a smile to someone’s face. Just a pat on the back, an affectionate hug, and a small recognization can save someone from losing their mind in the dark city of insanity and turn into a lunatic freak like the Joker.
And that is why we need someone like Batman in our society who can guide us to do good despite all the challenges life throws in front. Who teaches us to sacrifice our happiness for the greater good. And motivates us to do the morally right thing in the darkest hours.
I know we all are going through some of the other issues. And it’s too easy to lose our control and unleash the Joker within, but that way, we all end up doing more harm to each other, letting the world burn into a never-ending flame.
I think it’s time to put a hold on this loop and spread more awareness about mental illness, inequality, and emotional abuse. And all it takes is a little understanding on our part.
And I think this why Batman never killed the Joker despite everything. Because he understands him and the overall situation, which can be highlighted through one of his quotes,
“If you kill a killer, the number of killers in the world remains the same.” THINK ABOUT IT!
What do you think about the movie? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.
