Viz Media, a prominent manga and anime platform, has recently announced the greenlight for an anime adaptation of Keigo Shinzo’s highly acclaimed manga “Hirayasumi,” in collaboration with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions. The animation duties for the series will be handled by Production +h., known for their work on “The Orbital Children” and “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.”
The slice-of-life series, which first appeared in “Weekly Big Comic Spirits” in 2021 and was later introduced in English through Viz in 2024, has garnered a significant following with 1.1 million copies sold worldwide across six volumes. “Hirayasumi” follows the story of 29-year-old Hiroto Ikuta, a carefree protagonist navigating life without traditional ambitions.
The manga has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 Kagayake! Bros Comic Awards Grand Prize, the 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Grand Prize, and the Best Ongoing Comic honor at Italy’s Lucca Comics & Games 2024. Additionally, a live-action adaptation of the series is currently in development.
In another exciting development, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India, will be hosting a theatrical retrospective of Guru Dutt’s restored classics from August 8-10 to commemorate the legendary filmmaker’s 100th birth anniversary. Over 250 cinemas across India will showcase newly restored 4K versions of iconic films like “Pyaasa,” “Aar Paar,” “Chaudhvin Ka Chand,” “Mr. & Mrs. 55,” and “Baaz.”
Guru Dutt’s films are considered timeless masterpieces that have left a lasting impact on filmmakers and audiences alike. Sushilkumar Agrawal, MD and CEO of Ultra Media and Entertainment Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the significance of preserving Guru Dutt’s cinematic legacy. The restoration of these films was made possible under the National Film Heritage Mission.
On a different note, Globalsphere Studios, a joint venture led by MediaHub’s Kerim Emrah Turna and Geophil’s Robin Philip, has initiated production on their second original Turkish drama series titled “Aşka Mahkum” (English: “Bitter Justice”), in collaboration with India’s Shemaroo Entertainment. Following the success of their debut series “Alaca,” which achieved significant viewership milestones and international distribution deals, “Bitter Justice” is set to premiere at Mipcom 2025 with a first-look screening.
The narrative of “Bitter Justice” revolves around a tragic construction accident that leaves businessman Noyan Demir’s wife severely injured and their unborn child lost. The series delves into themes of power, revenge, and redemption as safety officer Memduh’s daughter Dünya finds herself entangled in a web of servitude, silently fighting for justice.
