2023 has been a good year for Dragon Ball in India so far

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

So Dragon Ball's history in India, as far as I can tell is quite sparse. Cartoon Network aired Z in 2001 and 2005 in English, and again between 2007 and 2017/18 with dubs in the various native languages (Hindi, Tamil and Telugu), several fans have reported the existence of an original Dragon Ball dub although its not clear how much was dubbed or aired.

Kai may or may not have aired in 2012, as I've heard anecdotal reports both ways. There seems to be an Urdu dub of it though.

However since Super premiered last year Cartoon Network has seen a resurgence of Dragon Ball content on the channel.

For example, recently they aired Kai in a staggering five languages, the aforementioned Hindi, Tamil and Telegu, but also Malayalam and Kannada, and the movies in some of these languages.

Kai

Spoiler:

Cartoon Network Premiering 'Dragon Ball Z Kai' From April 16
Apr 17th 2023
Kids and families to enjoy the epic adventures of Goku and friends as the popular anime returns on air in India for the first time in multiple Indian regional languages.

Watch the ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’ promo here

MUMBAI, April 17, 2023 – The wait is over for all Super Saiyan fans! Cartoon Network is all set to premiering the most awaited ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’, a series of the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise produced by Toei Animation, for the first time in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The channel will bring the action-packed saga of Goku, his friends and his family designed with an epic and stylized approach to storytelling. Starting April 16 from 1 PM onwards, every Sunday will be a ‘Super Sunday’ with fans witnessing the extravagance and daring thrills as Goku defends the Earth from aliens.

The remastered tale of Goku, the mighty warrior and his allies defending the planet against an assortment of villains brings back the action-packed storyline, colourful characters, and exciting scenes! The world is at peace until one day, Goku's son, Gohan, falls into a deep ravine putting his life in danger. On this adventure to save his son's life, Goku will take fans to another planet to obtain the mystical Dragon Balls. As Goku and his friends continue their battle with the fearsome Saiyan race, they will encounter bizarre, comical, heart-warming, and threatening characters that fans would not want to miss out on!

Talking about the show's premiere, Uttam Pal Singh, Head of Kids Cluster, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “After the spectacular success of 'Dragon Ball Super' and 'Digimon Adventure', and a great response from the audience, we are ready to cheer Otaku fans with another anime phenomenon, 'Dragon Ball Z Kai'. The power-packed series will surely add excitement and thrill to the summer season for our audience with its engaging storyline, high-energy dubs, vibrant animation, and relatable characters. Moreover, apart from expanding our anime line-up, we are pleased to invite more fans to join the Cartoon Network community with the 'Dragon Ball Z Kai' premiere in five local languages, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.”

Popular voiceover artists are voicing the main characters for the show in Hindi. Ankur Javeri for Goku, Prasad Barve for Vegeta, Shailendra Pandey for Piccolo, Neshma for Chichi, Mayur Vyas for Krillin, Mani Puhan for Bulma and Shruti Sinha for Gohan.

Fans will have several exciting opportunities to celebrate Goku's new journey through Cartoon Network's social media channels. Beginning Sunday, April 16, Otaku community will get to participate in a ‘Watch and Win’ trivia contest for special rewards. Additionally, as part of the premiere campaign, Dragon Ball fandom will get to showcase their love for Goku's world and relatable storytelling format with a ‘Selfie Contest’ and win memorable Dragon Ball figurines.

The adventure continues with the iconic series ‘Dragon Ball Z Kai’ only on Cartoon Network starting April 16 from 1 pm onwards and thereafter every Super Sunday.

Cooler's Revenge

Spoiler:

Cartoon Network Airs Dragon Ball Z Kai Anime in India on Sundays, Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge Film on April 23
posted on 2023-04-21 05:09 EDT by Adriana Hazra

Dragon Ball Z Kai airs in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam from 1:00 p.m. IST onwards

Cartoon Network India began airing the Dragon Ball Z Kai television anime in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam on Sunday. The anime will air every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. IST onwards.
The channel is also airing promotional videos for the Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge film stating that the film will air on April 23 at 12:15 p.m. IST.

Super Android 13 Promo

Return of Cooler

Spoiler:

Cartoon Network India to Premiere Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler
Tune in to Cartoon Network India this May 21st Sunday at 12:15 pm
May 9, 2023

The Dragon Ball Z franchise continues to captivate audiences all over the world, and Cartoon Network India is bringing the excitement to its viewers with a blockbuster lineup of Dragon Ball Z movies.

Cartoon Network India is set to premiere yet another Dragon Ball Z movie on May 21st, Sunday at 12:15 pm – Dragon Ball Z: The Movie Return of Cooler. This movie follows the Z warriors as they face off against Cooler in his new mechanical form, who has returned once again to seek vengeance on Goku and his friends. Fans can expect another action-packed adventure with stunning animation and an engaging storyline.

On April 23rd, Cartoon Network India premiered Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge. And just recently, on May 7th, Cartoon Network India premiered Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13, where the Z warriors must face off against Dr. Gero’s Ultimate Android, who has been unleashed with the sole mission of defeating Goku and his friends.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Cartoon Network India’s focus on anime, especially the Dragon Ball franchise, is a testament to its commitment to delivering high-quality content that caters to the tastes of viewers of all ages. The network’s decision to air these highly acclaimed movies is sure to attract a legion of fans, and provide an exciting viewing experience for all.

So mark your calendars and be sure to tune in to Cartoon Network India to catch Dragon Ball Z: The Movie Return of Cooler on May 21st at 12:15 pm. Dragon Ball Z has been a beloved franchise for over three decades, and the fact that it continues to captivate audiences around the world is a testament to its enduring popularity.

Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan

Spoiler:

Dragon Ball Z Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan to Air on Cartoon Network - Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan
Rayan Sayyed
BY RAYAN SAYYED

Posted June 8, 2023, 6:19 p.m.
Cartoon Network has announced the airing of Dragon Ball Z Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan film in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam on June 11 at 11:30 AM.

Following the recent broadcast of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge on April 23, the network continues to bring the beloved franchise to the Indian audience. This comes after Cartoon Network began airing Dragon Ball Z Kai in five dubbed languages starting from April 16.

Dragon Ball Z Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan introduces the powerful villain, Broly. Directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi and with a screenplay by Takao Koyama, the film takes us on an action-packed adventure that Dragon Ball fans will love. The story follows Vegeta, who is lured to the New Planet Vegeta by a group of Saiyan survivors, who want to conquer the world. Alongside the Z Warriors, Vegeta must confront Broly, the legendary Super Saiyan. Despite the combined efforts of three Super Saiyans and a Super Namek, Broly proves to be an unstoppable force, living up to his fearsome reputation. The second half of the film is filled with battles and non-stop action.

Dragon Ball Z: Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan is the eight Dragon Ball Z film that came out on March 6, 1993 in Japan. Dragon Ball Super: Broly is the reboot of this film that came out in 2018.

I've also heard from one source Uttam Pal Singh has confirmed Dragon Ball GT will air after Kai, there's a chance for original Dragon Ball (maybe with a Hindi redub) and they are looking into getting the rights to more of the movies, my source also said there's no chance Z will be rerun because Cartoon Network lost the rights after 2017 and Kai is the same story.

Still its great to see Kai, and Dragon Ball in general getting some love on TV in this day and age, so here's hoping the series will continue to grow in popularity in India for years to come, as it is a massive country, which has just overtaken China when it comes to population, so there is great potential.

[Cure Dragon 255]

I hope Pakistan follows suit and kids there will love the show. I still miss Multi Man.

[TheRed259]

Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound on July 23 as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKfTV7mkq_8

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Super Hero is also supposedly getting an Indian English dub. This will be interesting if it comes to fruition. As far as I can tell it would mark the first time any Dragon Ball movie has had an alternate English dub since the Big Green movies on Toonami UK in 2005.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Today Dragon Ball Super aired on Cartoon Network with the Bang Zoom dub. 2 episodes are being aired every day Monday-Friday.

It's not so crazy that the Bang Zoom dub is being used as that's what Cartoon Network India has the masters for and based the Hindi, Tamil and Telegu Super dubs on (although Funimation's OP and ED were used). Additionally it aired last year in Pakistan.

This is good news as I know fans who are trying to get better recordings for these episodes.

[sangofe]

Today Dragon Ball Super aired on Cartoon Network with the Bang Zoom dub. 2 episodes are being aired every day Monday-Friday.

It's not so crazy that the Bang Zoom dub is being used as that's what Cartoon Network India has the masters for and based the Hindi, Tamil and Telegu Super dubs on (although Funimation's OP and ED were used). Additionally it aired last year in Pakistan.

This is good news as I know fans who are trying to get better recordings for these episodes.

But what will they do when they get past that dub?

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Today Dragon Ball Super aired on Cartoon Network with the Bang Zoom dub. 2 episodes are being aired every day Monday-Friday.

It's not so crazy that the Bang Zoom dub is being used as that's what Cartoon Network India has the masters for and based the Hindi, Tamil and Telegu Super dubs on (although Funimation's OP and ED were used). Additionally it aired last year in Pakistan.

This is good news as I know fans who are trying to get better recordings for these episodes.

But what will they do when they get past that dub?

Air the edited Funimation dub I'd guess. Bang Zoom never dubbed anything past episode 27.

I'd be more curious to know if they will air Kai : The Final Chapters as there is an edited version of the Funimation dub, which as far as I know has never aired.

[supershonen]

>there exists a Urdu dub from 2012
That is from Pakistan. They aired DBkai in Pakistan.They invited indian dub artists for the main cast prolly because they too grew up watching the Indian dub of z in early 2000s. So it was a collab between their network and indian dubbers

DB super was a hit in india. It premiered on May 2022 and since then we have got so many new anime shows as I believe popularity of db super generated interest among Indian channel heads to import more Japanese media. Cartoon network india still airs reruns of db super every 9 pm to 11 pm. I think craze for anime is highest rn after 2000s. If only you could see the amount of 14-20s year olds wearing anime themed tshirts especially DBZ ones. It fills me with great joy to see kids roaming around with those shirts.


Also we got db kai in April 2023 and right now we are getting new episodes of Db kai final chapters every Saturday (today we'll see Gohan training with shin). I a actually quite confused regarding db kai musical score used in the show. From saiyan to cell saga the episodes had DBZ's OST which is kikuichi if I am not wrong. But in the DB Kai: final chapters the OST is completely different and modern. Dunno what's going on.

[supershonen]

Today Dragon Ball Super aired on Cartoon Network with the Bang Zoom dub. 2 episodes are being aired every day Monday-Friday.

It's not so crazy that the Bang Zoom dub is being used as that's what Cartoon Network India has the masters for and based the Hindi, Tamil and Telegu Super dubs on (although Funimation's OP and ED were used). Additionally it aired last year in Pakistan.

This is good news as I know fans who are trying to get better recordings for these episodes.

But what will they do when they get past that dub?

Air the edited Funimation dub I'd guess. Bang Zoom never dubbed anything past episode 27.

I'd be more curious to know if they will air Kai : The Final Chapters as there is an edited version of the Funimation dub, which as far as I know has never aired.

They are airing a version that has different soundtrack from Z.

[Tian]

From saiyan to cell saga the episodes had DBZ's OST which is kikuichi if I am not wrong. But in the DB Kai: final chapters the OST is completely different and modern. Dunno what's going on.

Oh, that's Norihito Sumitomo's soundtrack. It's the only soundtrack that Final Chapters has in both original Japanese and international versions.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

>there exists a Urdu dub from 2012
That is from Pakistan. They aired DBkai in Pakistan

Interesting. I believe there was also an illegal channel called Cinemachi Kids that aired an Urdu dub of original Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z. Did you hear anything about those airings?

Also we got db kai in April 2023 and right now we are getting new episodes of Db kai final chapters every Saturday (today we'll see Gohan training with shin). I a actually quite confused regarding db kai musical score used in the show. From saiyan to cell saga the episodes had DBZ's OST which is kikuichi if I am not wrong. But in the DB Kai: final chapters the OST is completely different and modern. Dunno what's going on.

Originally Kenji Yamamoto was hired to compose an original score for Kai, but due to some ongoing fan investigations it was revealed he had been plagiarising most, if not all the tracks he claimed to have composed. TOEI reacted and hastily placed Shunsuke Kikuchi's score into Kai (which was mostly tracks from movies 6-9 and the Saiyan arc), but then for Final Chapters they opted to start fresh with a new composer Norihito Sumitomo.

[supershonen]

From saiyan to cell saga the episodes had DBZ's OST which is kikuichi if I am not wrong. But in the DB Kai: final chapters the OST is completely different and modern. Dunno what's going on.

Oh, that's Norihito Sumitomo's soundtrack. It's the only soundtrack that Final Chapters has in both original Japanese and international versions.

Not really a fan of this ost if I am being honest

[supershonen]

>there exists a Urdu dub from 2012
That is from Pakistan. They aired DBkai in Pakistan

Interesting. I believe there was also an illegal channel called Cinemachi Kids that aired an Urdu dub of original Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z. Did you hear anything about those airings?

Afaik cinemachi kids aired DBZ, onepiece and Naruto in English and only dubbed FMA brotherhood. The dbkai Urdu dub was done officially by cn pakistan. Oh and my bad , they didn't invite OG indian dub artists for Goku. It was an india artist but not the old one.

Originally Kenji Yamamoto was hired to compose an original score for Kai, but due to some ongoing fan investigations it was revealed he had been plagiarising most, if not all the tracks he claimed to have composed. TOEI reacted and hastily placed Shunsuke Kikuchi's score into Kai (which was mostly tracks from movies 6-9 and the Saiyan arc), but then for Final Chapters they opted to start fresh with a new composer Norihito Sumitomo.

Is there any way to watch the og Yamamoto version? Sounds like lost media to me, quite intriguing.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Afaik cinemachi kids aired DBZ, onepiece and Naruto in English and only dubbed FMA brotherhood.

The weird thing is Cinemachi Kids aired a promo for original Dragon Ball, which called it "Dragon Ball Z" maybe accidentally. Since it says "witness the birth of the Dragon Ball saga" I suspect it may have indeed been original Dragon Ball they aired. It was shown Sunday nights at 10pm so I'm not surprised recordings haven't surfaced.

I did hear about the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Urdu dub though. I also found this video which shows footage of the first Pokemon movie and has a message "now in Urdu" so I think Cinemachi Kids may have dubbed more stuff in Urdu.

Is there any way to watch the og Yamamoto version? Sounds like lost media to me, quite intriguing.

Not sure about any of the Indian dubs with the Yamamoto score, but DVDs and Blu-Rays were released containing the English dub and Japanese version with the score. TV recordings are also easy to come by. It's not lost media at all.