'Doraemon the Movie' heads to Indian cinemas for first-ever theatrical release

The beloved Doraemon franchise is set to make history in India with its first-ever theatrical release in the country.

According to Variety, Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil will debut across India later this year, marking a milestone for the iconic Japanese anime series, which has enjoyed immense popularity with Indian audiences for decades. The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, expanding its reach to millions of fans.

The 45th film in the long-running franchise is a remake of the 1983 feature Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil. Directed by Tetsuo Yajima, the movie follows Doraemon, Nobita and their friends as they embark on an underwater adventure that leads them to a mysterious castle filled with secrets and danger.

The Indian theatrical rollout represents a significant step for the franchise, which has built a massive fanbase through television broadcasts but has never before received a nationwide cinema release in the country. Industry insiders view the move as a reflection of the growing appetite for Japanese animation in India.

The release comes amid increasing collaboration between Japanese studios and Indian distributors, with anime films enjoying stronger performances at the box office in recent years. Doraemon has been one of the most recognisable animated brands among Indian children since its television debut, making the theatrical launch a long-awaited event for fans.

Produced by Shin-Ei Animation and distributed in Japan by Toho, the film opened in its home market earlier in 2026 and has become one of the year's major animated releases. Its arrival in India is expected to introduce the big-screen experience of Doraemon to a new generation while giving longtime fans a chance to see the beloved robotic cat and his friends in cinemas for the first time.

The Indian release underscores the continuing global appeal of Doraemon, which remains one of Japan's most successful and enduring entertainment franchises. With dubbed versions planned in multiple languages, the film is poised to bring one of anime's most iconic characters to the big screen for Indian audiences like never before.