Crunchyroll Unveils 'Ready to Anime?' Campaign With Rashmika & Gill

Crunchyroll has rolled out a new India-focused anime campaign titled ‘Ready to Anime?’, featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna and Indian cricketer Shubman Gill.

The campaign aims to reflect the growing mainstream acceptance of anime in India and position Crunchyroll as the preferred anime streaming platform for both new and existing fans.

The campaign consists of two ad films, with the first set to premiere during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, ensuring high visibility among mass audiences.

Additional placements are planned across television, OTT platforms, connected TV, and digital media marketing channels, including integrations with popular Indian entertainment properties.

• Crunchyroll launches India anime push with Rashmika and Gill
• Rashmika Mandanna and Shubman Gill front ‘Ready to Anime?’ campaign
• Anime moves mainstream as Crunchyroll targets Gen Z and mass audiences in India

Set on a commercial shoot, the ad shows Rashmika, portrayed as an avid anime viewer, recommending the popular action anime Solo Leveling to Shubman. While others on set assume Gill is distracted by messages or social media, it is revealed that he is watching anime on Crunchyroll instead. The storyline highlights how anime fits seamlessly into everyday streaming habits, cutting across professions and interests.

The campaign is backed by consumer insights pointing to anime popularity in India. A 2025 study commissioned by Crunchyroll found that 62% of general entertainment viewers in the country say they like or love anime. Among teenagers, the number rises to 74%, indicating strong engagement from Gen Z anime audiences and a steady expansion beyond niche fandoms.

According to Crunchyroll’s regional marketing leadership, Rashmika and Shubman were chosen to represent different audience segments while sharing strong youth appeal and cultural relevance. The brand sees India as a key growth market, driven by increased access to streaming, dubbed content, and rising interest in global anime content.

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Conceptualised by Tilt Brand Solutions and produced by StudioQ, the Crunchyroll India campaign will continue to roll out in phases, with a second film expected later this year.