Zee5's KidZ universe now features a mythical animated series. Titled Shivlok Ke Kundakka Mandakka, the show brings Indian mythology to life in an engaging way for children and families, available in six languages. The series premieres on July 17.
A fresh mythological world
The show is called SKM for short. It is based on author Anand Neelakantan's popular children's book, The Very, Extremely, Most Naughty Asura Tales for Kids. It follows two mischievous Asura twins, Kundakka and Mandakka, whose playful antics take them on a big adventure. "Along the way, they learn about courage, friendship and self-discovery. The story moves beyond familiar tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It introduces viewers to new characters and unexplored corners of Indian mythology," the makers stated.
Mischief with meaning
The series mixes humour, action and colourful animation. It reimagines mythology in a way that suits today's young viewers. The core idea is simple. Heroes are shaped by their choices, not by being perfect. This is meant to be just the beginning. Zee5 plans to grow this into a larger universe over time. New characters and adventures are expected to follow. The show also challenges an old assumption. It suggests that playful, mischievous children can still have strong values. Through Kundakka and Mandakka's journey, viewers see that curiosity and mischief can go hand in hand with kindness and empathy.
Built for family viewing
Zee5 wants KidZ to be a trusted space for children and families. The idea is to offer entertainment that is age-appropriate and rooted in Indian culture. Shivlok Ke Kundakka Mandakka is designed as a co-viewing experience. Parents and children can watch it together. The stories aim to entertain while also passing on timeless values. The show will stream in six languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangla and English.
What the makers said
Chandan Khandelwal, Business Head of KidZ at Zee5, spoke about why the show matters. "Some of the most enduring stories are those cherished across generations," he said. He added that the team wanted to introduce families to a fresh universe filled with humour, adventure and values. "We are combining the richness of Indian mythology with engaging storytelling and high-quality animation," he said. According to him, the goal is to build homegrown franchises with creators who can reimagine India's storytelling legacy for a new generation.
Anand Neelakantan, whose book inspired the show, also shared his thoughts. "I am delighted to see KidZ bring my book to life through Shivlok Ke Kundakka Mandakka," he said. He called it encouraging to see large platforms invest in stories rooted in Indian mythology. "I hope young audiences enjoy following Kundakka and Mandakka's adventures on screen as much as I enjoyed creating them," he said. He added that it is heartening to see these characters find new life through animation.
