MUMBAI: Cartoon Network will celebrate Republic Day with the Indian television premiere of Green Gold Animation Studio's second 2-D animation feature Krishna: Makhan Chor on 26 January at 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. This also marks the worldwide premiere of the 2-D animated feature film.

This is Cartoon Network's third acquisition from Hyderabad-based Green Gold Animation Studio, the earlier being Vikram Betaal in 2005 and Krishna: the Birth which was premiered on Janamashtami last year, informs an official release.

Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. VP advertising sales and networks, India and South Asia Monica Tata said, "There has been no looking back on local acquisitions since 2001, when Cartoon Network was the first kids' channel to premiere Indian animation. Indian animations on the Network have been a hit with kids. In fact, the premiere of Krishna: the Birth, rated exceptionally well with a 1.2 TVR in the kids' segment and its telecast positioned Cartoon Network not only as a leader in the kids' segment, but also as the #2 National Channel in the 15+ audience (across general interest channels, all India, for the telecast time of 2p.m. on August 16, 2006)."

PMI Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd Managing Director Rajiv Chilakalapudi said, "Green Gold is dedicated to creating high quality original animation content for Television and Film. Our passion and commitment to Indian Animation has yielded fruitful results with the overwhelming success of Krishna: the Birth, our first part of the Krishna series. Indeed we are equally confident that its sequel Krishna:Makhan Chor will also be a huge success and resonate with kids and families alike. Over 100 professionals at Green Gold worked on this project and the passion and energy created was exemplary - it was unbelievable teamwork. We are extremely happy that our creations are seen on the number one channel for kids, Cartoon Network."

Krishna: Makhan Chor which is the second part of a four part series, narrates the story of Lord Krishna in his childhood. It is set against the backdrop of his growing years under the love and care of his foster parents, Nandlal and Yashoda, to become the popular, mischievous but lovable "Kanha" of Gokul. This part also includes Krishna's tryst with various demons, which have been sent by his uncle, Kansa.