Chhota Bheem

Chhota Bheem
Promotional poster
Also known as	Little Bheem
Written by	Nidhi Anand Darsana Radhakrishnan Teja Pratap
Directed by	Rajiv Chilaka Binayak Das
Opening theme	"Chhota Bheem"
Ending theme	"Chhota Bheem" (Karaoke)
Country of origin	India
Original language	Hindi
No. of seasons	12
No. of episodes	624
Production
Running time	11 minutes
Production company	Green Gold Animations Mega Films
Distributor	Green Gold Animations
Release
Original network	Pogo TV
Original release	6 April 2008 (2008-04-06) – present
Chronology
Related shows	Mighty Raju Arjun - Prince of Bali Super Bheem Mighty Little Bheem
External links
Website
Production website

Chhota Bheem (lit. 'Little Bheem') is an Indian animated comedy adventure television series,^[1] created by Green Gold company based in Hyderabad.^[2]

Plot

The series is set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, somewhere in rural India. The series revolves around Bheem, sometimes referred to as Chhota Bheem (little Bheem) due to his young age, a boy who is strong and intelligent.^[3] Bheem's rival is Kalia, who is envious of Bheem's popularity. Kalia, along with his sidekicks, twin brothers Dholu and Bholu, always plot to embarrass and defeat Bheem, but never succeeds.

Most of the initial stories revolved around Bheem and his friends Chutki, Raju and Jaggu's rivalry with Kalia and his friends Dholu and Bholu. However, as the series has progressed, this topic has been adopted as the subject less often, although Kalia is still just as eager to prove himself superior to Bheem. A large number of episodes, along with all the films, also focus on Bheem and his team solving various problems affecting the village, unravelling mysteries, fighting evils that seek to harm Dholakpur or its inhabitants, and on their antics, which often get them into trouble.

During Bheem's early days, the broadcaster Pogo had stressed that the storyline is kept simple and mysteries and complex plot avoided at all cost, as the viewers were too young to understand, but nowadays there is no such restriction. The timeline and Dholakpur too have been allowed to become fluid and stretchable and this has caused the characters to become more person-like and less childish. Supernatural events have often been used in episodes, like Dholakpur being attacked by the demon Zimbara, the evil witch, or Botakpur. Bheem and his team participating in various competitions in Dholakpur or in adjoining kingdoms are also a common theme, as is the celebration of Indian festivities.

Characters

Main

Chhota Bheem

Bheem, who plays the central role in the story, is an adventurous and fun-loving boy who is gifted with extraordinary superhuman strength. This power is a boon for his village, Dholakpur, which is constantly beset by all kinds of problems. Almost all the people from Dholakpur look up to Bheem for solutions to their problems. Bheem is kind and always uses his strength to help those who are poor, wronged, or needy, and may be considered a little guardian of the villagers and the animals in and around Dholakpur. Bheem is often seen defeating enemies who attack Dholakpur or harm the villagers, like the evil demon Kirmada, the robber Mangal Singh, and the evil witch. Having gained the king's trust, Bheem discusses the village issues with the ministers of the kingdom. Being intelligent, and strong he represents Dholakpur in various activites.

Chutki

Chutki is a young girl and the daughter of Tuntun Mausi, the laddu-maker. Also, she plays the main female role in the series. She is Bheem's closest friend and assists him in their adventures. Sometimes, Bheem relies upon her to solve any puzzles or difficult situations. She had first met Bheem, Raju and Jaggu when Bheem had saved her from a raging bull. While she is responsible for her household chores and gentle towards all people and other creatures, she can be tough too, when the situation demands it. Among the group, Chutki is the most intelligent. In many episodes, in the film 'Chhota Bheem: Master of Shaolin': The Movie, she is depicted as being good at martial arts. She tries to help Bheem on his adventures. When she and Bheem are fighting bad guys, he asks her to give her a laddu, which gives him the strength he needs to defeat the bad guys.

Raju

Raju is a cute, courageous, and fun-loving boy, whose role model is Bheem. Raju's size belies his courage, which he gets from his father, the Senapati (chief officer) of the King's army [cavalry]. Raju also wants to be the Senapati of the Army (seen in the episode "Chutki's Wish"). Mostly seen wearing blue underwear, he is very good at archery and has won the "Arjuna Cup". He often loses his temper when he sees something wrong happening. He appears as the superhero protagonist in the spin-off series "Mighty Raju".

Jaggu

Jaggu is a talking monkey, or Bandar. Jaggu has his own special way of solving problems, using tricks and his amazing sense of humour. Jaggu and Bheem always have fun together, be it exploring forests or eating icecream. From him, Bheem learns useful techniques like swinging from trees. Whenever they are really hungry, it's Jaggu who assists him by stealing laddus. He also loves playing tricks on Kalia and Dholu Bholu. He wants to be the protector of all the animals in the jungle (seen in the episode "Chutki's Wish").

Kalia

Kalia is a large and muscular bully. He is depicted as a normal boy who is always outshone by Bheem. He has two followers, Dholu and Bholu, who sometimes help him with his plans and, at other times, completely abandon him. He often blows his own trumpet by claiming he is the strongest and most courageous person. Whenever any problem arises, he runs away. He is shown making ideas more popular than Bheem. Despite his competitive personality, he also helps the gang with common problems, such as an attack on Dholakpur, etc.

Dholu and Bholu

Dholu and Bholu are identical twins and followers of Kalia. Though they are not strong themselves, they bask in Kalia's strength. But they were the kindest brothers and they also won a trophy for their best brotherhood. But sometimes, they may fight playfully and get scolded by Kalia. They are generally depicted in contrast to clothes.

Recurring

Ganesh

Lord Ganesh was shown in the movie Chhota Bheem and Ganesh in the Amazing Odyssey and was also shown in some episodes and other films.

Krishna

Krishna is a character who occurs in a few episodes and in the movies Chhota Bheem Aur Krishna, Chhota Bheem Aur Krishna Vs Zimbara, Chhota Bheem Aur Kaalsura Ka Jadui Jaal, Chhota Bheem and Krishna in the Rise of Kirmada and Chhota Bheem and Krishna in the Patliputra City of Dead and Chhota Bheem aur Krishna-Masti in Vrindavan.

Hanuman

Hanuman was also shown in this show in a special movie Chhota Bheem Aur Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is the biggest devotee of Lord Shree Ram.

Indumati

Rajkumari Indumati is the Princess of Dholakpur and daughter of Raja Indraverma. She is kindhearted 7 year old girl. She is also a friend of Bheem, Chutki, Raju, Jaggu, Kalia, Dholu and Bholu. She is a very good princess.

Kichak

Kichak is a teen wrestler from Pehelwanpur. He is later introduced in the series. Like Kalia, Kichak is also jealous of Bheem, since Bheem is more popular than he is. But he is defeated on all occasions. Kichak's jealousy towards Bheem is a bit more severe than Kalia's. Surprisingly, Kichak and his team help to support Bheem and his friends in the movies Chhota Bheem: Bheem vs Aliens and Chhota Bheem: Master of Shaolin respectively.

Chhota Manu

He is also a character from Pehelwanpur. A strong child is first shown in the episode "The boxing match". He is physically strong and clever. His archrival is Raju, whom he never managed to defeat. He is also aid as well as a friend of Kichak. He is also very clever and helps Kichak to make various plans.

Raja Indraverma

The King of Dholakpur is King Indraverma. He is the father of Indumati. He mostly relies on Bheem for any crisis in the kingdom.

Daku Mangal Singh

Mangal Singh is a bandit who used to terrorize Dholakpur when he was free. But he was arrested by Bheem. He gets free and tries to defeat Bheem in episodes "Old Enemies", "Princess Kidnapped", etc.

Dhooni Baba

Dhooni Baba is a sage who lives in a cave. In the former episodes, he was called "Baba Bol Bachchan" and has a body smeared with ash and seen meditating on some needles. Later, his body has no ash smeared and he walks with a walking stick. He is described as a sage who knows almost everything. He gives advice and also a solution to Bheem and his friends. In the episode "Superheroes", he had granted Bheem and Raju to be superheroes for a day.

Tuntun Mausi

Also called Tuntun Mausi, she is Chutki's mother. She owns a shop where she sells laddus. Her laddus are considered the tastiest. She stays mostly angry with Bheem as he steals laddus from her shop. But she is also kind-hearted like Chutki. Sometimes she gives Bheem laddus to make him stronger and help him defeat his enemies.

Bheem's Family

Bheem has a family of five members:

• Mother: Bheem's unnamed mother lives with him in their home. She is shown as a cameo in many episodes and some movies.
• Grandfather- Bheem's grandfather is also a fighter like Bheem. Bheem resembles his grandfather in the fighting. His grandfather owns a magical trunk having magical items in it. He also likes laddus.
• Father: His father is labour in another town. He was shown in the episode ‘’Diwali Dhamaka’’ and was responsible for bringing the two-headed demon in Dholakpur. But also gives an idea to Bheem regarding Demon's death. But in the movie Bheem in the city, Bheem’s father, whose name is Abhimanyu, works in Raunak Sheher.
• Grandmother: His grandmother is never shown in the series but was shown in an advertisement.

Professor Shastri Dhoomketoo

He is an inventor who Lives In Gyanpur. He often ends up getting problems with his inventions, like getting his inventions stolen, or malfunctioning. His inventions include a time machine, a hot air balloon, a super-fast bicycle, etc.

Shivani

Bheem's foster sister is Shivani. She lives in Pehelwanpur and runs a dhaba there named "Shivani ka Dhaba". Her father is imprisoned for no reason by the cruel king, and to free him she needs 500 gold coins. But the Pehalwan Dabbu tries to take over the Dhaba. Bheem comes to her rescue and even frees her father from jail, this scene was seen in one episode where she sent bheem one letter on rakshabandhan where she didn't described anything so bheem thought something was suspicious and had to go to her after he solved her problems she tied a rakhi on his wrist on rakshabandhan where other people were also celebrating along with bheem's gang. In the episodes of "20–20 Cricket" and the movie – Chhota Bheem: Bheem vs Aliens, she has been seen supporting Bheem's team. Also, Shivani and Chutki are shown to be good friends.

Buri Jadugarni ( The Evil Sorceress)

Buri Jadugarni is an evil sorceress who is an enemy of Bheem. She meets Bheem in the episode ''The Chocolate World''. She tried to become the queen of dholakpur (Queen Madhu) but never succeeded because of bheem and his team. She is also called Buri Pari (Evil Fairy) or Buri Chudail (Evil Witch).

In the episode of " Dholakpur ki nayi rani" she has a son who helps her in becoming the queen.

Achhi Jadugarni (The Good Sorceress)

She is a good Sorceress who helps Bheem in defeating Buri Jadugarni. She is also called Achhi Pari (Good Fairy). She lives in Agadam( A place of good wizards and Witches) or in the forest of Dholakpur.

Avi Chacha

He is another scientist who lives in Dholakpur. He is also a friend of Professor Shastri Dhoomketu. He invented many gadgets but all were destroyed.

Kaptaan Singh

He is the head captain of a ship of Dholakpur, Dholakpur Queen.

Raaka

He is the sidekick of Daku Mangal Singh.

Daku Chacha

He is an experienced dacoit uncle of Daku Mangal Singh.

Kirmada

He is a demon who tries to attack Dholakpur. He has appeared in the Chhota Bheem and Krishna film series.

Kallasura and Chalchaaya

They are the sons or successors of Kirmada.

Zimbara and Mayandri

They are the siblings of Kirmada.

Production

Development

Rajiv Chilaka wanted to create his own intellectual property instead of working for other companies. He established his animation studio Green Gold Animation in 2001. He had to struggle as no TV channel was ready to pick up the Indian animation content and most Indian contents aired were mythological in nature. His company produced Vikram Betal and Krishna animation shows which convinced Pogo TV to give chance. After five years of conception, Chhota Bheem made his first appearance in 2008 on Pogo TV.^[4] It succeeded and continued to run.^[2] He is financed by Samir Jain, who belongs to the famous Jain-cum-Agarwal business family from Meerut. Raj Viswanadha, who did the writing for the first four years of Bheem before leaving the series, Arun Shendurnikar, Nidhi Anand are prominent among those who have written the stories for the show.^{[citation needed]}

Influences

Rajiv Chilaka had conceived an adventurous young boy with the strength and attributes of Bhima from Mahabharata, living in an unspecified period in medieval India. He was also influenced by his childhood spent with Disney's animated shows, Tintin, Amar Chitra Katha and other superhero comics.^[2]

Broadcast

It is aired on Pogo TV in India. As of August 2011, more than 200 episodes, 5 movies have been released and aired.^[5]

In April 2020 DD National acquired the syndication rights of the series from 17 April 2020 to 3 May 2020 when the production of the ongoing series had to be stopped by the channel due to COVID-19 pandemic.^[6]

Reception

The show became successful among younger children. It is considered as India's largest children's entertainment brand. The show has a viewership of 40 million viewers in India and beyond. The brand is valued around ₹300 crore in 2013.^[2] The show received backlash from older audiences due to its poor storyline and stereotyped portrayal of characters.^[7] The series is also blamed for slow adaptation of anime by Indian parents.^[8]

Movies

• Chhota Bheem Aur Krishna
• Chhota Bheem Aur Krishna in Pataliputra
• Chhota Bheem & Krishna: Mayanagari
• Chhota Bheem: Journey to Petra
• Chhota Bheem Master of Shaolin
• Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan
• Chhota Bheem and Ganesh in the Amazing Odyssey
• Chhota Bheem: Dholakpur to Kathmandu
• Chhota Bheem Aur Hanuman
• Chhota Bheem and The Rise of Kirmada
• Chhota Bheem and the Throne of Bali
• Chhota Bheem aur Krishna vs Zimbara
• Chhota Bheem and The Shinobi Secret
• Chhota Bheem and the Incan Adventure
• Chhota Bheem And The Broken Amulet
• Chhota Bheem Neeli Pahadi
• Chhota Bheem Ki Baazi
• Chhota Bheem aur Paanch Ajoobe
• Chhota Bheem Aur Chhalchhaaya
• Chhota Bheem: Mayavi Gorgan
• Chhota Bheem Banjara Masti
• Chhota Bheem: Dinosaur World
• Chhota Bheem and Sky Dragon
• Chhota Bheem: Mission Mangalayan
• Chhota Bheem in African Safari
• Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure
• Chhota Bheem Singapura Ka Rahasya
• Chhota Bheem Ka Troll Se Takkar
• Chhota Bheem Aur Kaala Yodha
• Chhota Bheem Ka Romani Adventure
• Bheemayan
• Chhota Bheem Dus pe Dus
• Chhota Bheem The Crown Of Valhalla
• Chhota Bheem Kung Fu Dhamaka
• Chhota Bheem Ka Roosi Romanch
• Bheem vs Aliens
• Chhota Bheem Aur Nawadir ke Shehzaade
• Chhota Bheem Ka Roosi Romanch
• Chhota Bheem aur Kaalsura ka Jaduii Jall
• Chhota Bheem aur Arazim Ka Raaz
• Bheem Ban Gaya Super Star
• Bheem In The City
• Chhota Bheem Aur Malongh Ka Raaz

Spin-offs

Mighty Raju

Mighty Raju is the first spin-off series of Chhota Bheem focusing on the character Raju in the modern world, who has superpowers and is known as "Mighty Raju". He lives in the modern city, Aryanagar.^{[citation needed]}

Arjun – Prince of Bali

Arjun - Prince of Bali is the second spin-off series of Chhota Bheem based on the Chhota Bheem and the Throne of Bali character Arjun. Arjun is the young prince of Bali. It features his adventures with his friends and pet Zimbu, a baby tiger. Each episode consists of two stories and is targeted for kids up to 13 years of age. The series will show the adventures of Arjun during his childhood. It exists in the same timeline as that of Chhota Bheem. The series aired from 1 June 2014 to 11 September 2016 on Disney Channel India.^[9][10][11]

Super Bheem

Super Bheem, a third spin-off series of Chhota Bheem was launched in 2017. but originally it was launched in May 2016, With the birthday special movie "Main hoon Super Bheem". It is an updated version of Bheem with superpowers. Super Bheem is based on Chhota Bheem: Sky Dragon. The Super Bheem show is 3D animation whereas the Chhota Bheem is traditional 2D animation.^[12] It originally premiered on Pogo TV in 2017 but it also aired in 2019 on Cartoon Network.

Mighty Little Bheem

Mighty Little Bheem, a fourth spin-off launched in 2019 on Netflix.^[13] It is intended for younger children. In this series, the story's focus is on 1 - 2 year old Bheem. Another thing to note is that in this series, Kalia (Bheem's Friend) is known as Vijay instead.

Chhota Bheem Kung-Fu Dhamaka

Chotta Bheem: Kung-Fu Dhamaka is the fifth spin-off of Chhota Bheem launched on January 12, 2020. It was the third series in 3D CGI format.

Other

Green Gold Animation launched merchandise and comics in 2009, and toys in 2010. They had a brand association with many products such as a drink, soups, fans, stationary, bags, biscuits. They also produced mobile games including educational ones.^[2] The merchandise portfolio expanded to more than 300 products and they established merchandise store franchise Green Gold Store, which has stores in several cities of India.^[4]

See also

• List of Indian animated television series

References