With travel restrictions in full force due to the pandemic, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has joined hands with OTT platform Voot Kids and Green Gold Animation to take Indian audiences on a virtual adventure in Singapore with the iconic Indian comic character, Chhota Bheem.
An animated miniseries titled ‘Chhota Bheem – Adventures in Singapore’, features the character visiting various popular destinations across the city-state to engage families and children across India, who are on summer school vacation or studying from home, in a bid to keep them safe indoors.
Starting July 17, the mini-series launched children across India in three languages – English, Hindi and Tamil.
The web-series also marks the 11th anniversary of Chhota Bheem. To commemorate this occasion, Chhota Bheem and friends celebrate his birthday in Singapore and each episode takes the viewer through different experiences in Singapore, from action and adventure to shopping and food.
“For us, this project is all about putting happy smiles on the faces of children and families across India, under these stressful times. STB is pleased to present the seven episodes as our 'Gift of Smiles' to the Indian audiences," GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East & South Asia (IMESA), Singapore Tourism Board, said.
The seven special stories feature various locations across Singapore. Chhota Bheem and friends travel to prominent attractions such as Jewel Changi Airport and its famous HSBC Rain Vortex, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, among others.
The series also features the city’s impressive skyline, framed by Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, as well as landmarks such as Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay. Bheem and friends also traverse the streets of the island city, taking in its diverse sights and sounds, as well as tantalising restaurants and cuisines. In addition to the webisodes, young fans will also have access to e-books and interactive games featuring their adventures available on the Voot Kids app.
“As part of a vision to engage our Indian audiences creatively in the new COVID-19 environment, the STB has been harnessing technology to reimagine its content, products and offerings. We have explored new partnerships and social engagements with many well-known brands. Many of these collaborations involved Indian talents and influencers working with Singaporean artistes, presenting their common passions to the Indian audiences virtually through engaging storytelling and showcasing of the destination,” Srithar added.
The animated mini-series is punctuated with interactions with locals and Singapore’s recognisable landmarks.
Speaking on the collaboration, Ashutosh Parekh, Vice President and Head of Content – Voot Kids said that Chhota Bheem was one of the most-watched characters on VOOT Kids and celebrating Bheem and his team’s adventures in Singapore is a one-of-a-kind initiative in the kids’ digital space.
"This mini-series is packed with specially created 'app-i-sodes' to add diversity to our content slate. This was the right time to bring delight our young subscribers and their families who have enjoyed our app indoors, and now will magically be transported to Singapore with never seen before stories of Bheem, without leaving the safety of their home,” he added.
“STB allowed us to bring out our best animation capabilities and VOOT Kids pushed the envelope for creative exploration and the sharp kid-centric insights for us to create stories that will make children chuckle," Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation, said.
