Japanese animation icon ‘Doraemon‘ is set to make his theatrical debut in India as TV Asahi and PVR INOX Pictures announce the nationwide release of ‘Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil’ on October 2, 2026.

The film will be released across India in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, bringing one of the world’s most popular animated franchises to Indian cinema audiences after decades of television success in the country.

Based on the original manga by Fujiko F. Fujio, the film follows Doraemon, Nobita and their friends on an underwater adventure that combines friendship, courage and discovery. The story begins when the group chooses to spend their summer camping in the ocean using Doraemon’s secret gadgets, only to uncover a mysterious undersea civilisation and a looming threat known as the “Castle of the Undersea Devil.”

The theatrical release is being spearheaded by TV Asahi and PVR INOX Pictures, while Black White Orange (BWO) will lead fan engagement, consumer experiences and promotional activities. Strategic consulting and market advisory support is being provided by Happening 365 Synergies.

As part of the promotional campaign, Doraemon will make his first public appearance in India at the CORE pop-culture festival, organised by BWO on June 20-21 at the Jio World Convention Centre. The event will feature a dedicated Doraemon zone with themed installations, interactive activities, photo opportunities and a large inflatable display.

The nationwide marketing campaign will also include school outreach programmes, digital promotions, outdoor advertising, mall activations and immersive fan experiences aimed at engaging audiences across age groups.

Commenting on the release, Maiko Sumida, Head of Animation Sales and Development, International Business Department at TV Asahi, said the company was delighted to bring Doraemon to Indian cinemas after more than two decades of popularity on television.

Mitali Desai, COO and Co-founder of BWO, said the objective was to create a large-scale fan experience around the theatrical launch through consumer engagement initiatives and retail extensions.

Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR INOX Pictures, noted that Doraemon enjoys a strong emotional connection with Indian audiences and said the release aligns with the company’s strategy of bringing globally recognised family entertainment brands to Indian theatres.

The release marks a significant milestone for the franchise in India, where Doraemon has built a loyal fan base over the years through television broadcasts. It also strengthens PVR INOX Pictures’ growing portfolio of international family entertainment titles as demand for anime and Japanese storytelling continues to rise among Indian viewers.

An official Instagram page, Doraemon Movie India, has also been launched to provide updates and promotional content ahead of the film’s theatrical release.