Reliance Animation Secures Maradona IP for a New Animated Series

Mumbai-based animation studio, Reliance Animation, has acquired the character IP rights to develop an animated series on Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, marking one of India’s most high-profile animation efforts to date. The deal took place on the sidelines of the WAVES Film Bazaar, between Reliance Animation, a division of Reliance Entertainment, and Argentina-based rights holder SATTVICA S.A. 

The rights were obtained with facilitation from Bridge Marketing Group Inc. Rita Maradona, representing SATTVICA S.A., has publicly endorsed the project, stating, “We…are very happy and proud of this new project with such a prestigious company as Reliance.”

The series is said to be biographical in nature, covering Maradona’s early life to his international stardom. Focusing on his career and personal struggles, the project aims to show his cultural influence rather than solely highlighting his football career. Reliance Entertainment CEO, Shibasish Sarkar, emphasized that “his journey of resilience, passion, and achievement transcends sports,” and that they aim to bring it to viewers across “ages and cultures."

According to Variety, the series is intended for OTT and broadcast distribution. While it reports the project is currently under development, it did not provide details about the production team, streaming platform, and potential release time, stating that these will be announced later.

Significance of the Upcoming Maradona Animated Series

The project represents a strategic expansion into high-profile storytelling with animation, which was mostly restricted to movies and like. CEO Shibasish Sarkar said the studio was thrilled to bring Maradona’s extraordinary journey to new audiences through animation, hinting at both the responsibility and opportunity of adapting such a globally recognized figure.

Reliance Animation CEO, Tejonidhi Bhandare, called the collaboration a landmark moment for the company, emphasizing the commitment to portraying Maradona’s “spirit, struggles, and triumphs” with authenticity. His statement suggests the studio intends to balance storytelling with respectful and authentic representation.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, remains a culturally resonant global figure, whose life narrative will generate a cross-generational audience. Such a collaboration will elevate Reliance Animation’s status as a recognized animation studio from being primarily known for children’s animation. 

The partnership also reflects India’s aspiration to move its animation industry toward premium global IP. In IFFI Goa 2025, multiple Indo-international co-productions and anime initiatives, such as The Assassin and Neelu, were unveiled, aligning with the shift in India’s animation market.