Doraemon is coming to Indian cinemas for the very first time. TV Asahi and PVR Inox Pictures have confirmed that Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil will release theatrically across India on October 2, 2026, marking the franchise’s first-ever nationwide big-screen outing in the country. The film will screen in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
The Film at a Glance
The 45th entry in the Doraemon film series, this 2026 feature is a reimagining of the 1983 classic Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil, itself inspired by the Western myth of Atlantis. Directed by Tetsuo Yajima and written by Isao Murayama, the film is produced by Shin-Ei Animation and is based on the original manga by legendary Japanese creator Fujiko F. Fujio. It carries a running time of 102 minutes and is scored by Takayuki Hattori.
The film debuted in Japan on February 27, 2026, becoming the first Doraemon movie to be screened in the 4DX format. It crossed the ¥3 billion (~$18.89 million USD) mark domestically within its first 30 days, joining a list of 20 Doraemon films to reach that benchmark since 2000. As of now, the film has earned over $25.5 million globally.
| Film Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Title | Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil |
| Film Number | 45th Doraemon Feature Film |
| Director | Tetsuo Yajima |
| Screenplay | Isao Murayama |
| Original Creator | Fujiko F. Fujio |
| Music | Takayuki Hattori |
| Production Studio | Shin-Ei Animation |
| Running Time | 102 minutes |
| Japan Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| India Release Date | October 2, 2026 |
| India Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu |
| Global Box Office | $25.5 million+ |
The Story
The film follows Doraemon, Nobita, and their friends — Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo — as they set off on an underwater camping adventure using Doraemon’s futuristic secret gadgets during their summer vacation. What begins as a carefree holiday at sea quickly deepens when the group discovers a mysterious sunken world and makes contact with Eru, a resident of the Mu Federation, a hidden undersea civilisation that harbours a deep distrust of humans. As the gang ventures further into this underwater realm, they uncover a dangerous mystery surrounding the feared Castle of the Undersea Devil — one that could determine the fate of the Earth itself.
The narrative functions as a standalone adventure, fully accessible to newcomers, while long-time fans will recognise recurring characters and references stretching back decades.
India Release: A Historic First
While Doraemon has been a fixture of Indian television for over 20 years, this October release marks the franchise’s first big-screen appearance in the country. The India release is presented by TV Asahi and PVR Inox Pictures, with licensing agency Black White Orange (BWO) leading nationwide fan engagement, consumer experiences, and promotional activations. Advisory and market strategy is being handled by Happening 365 Synergies.
The franchise’s first public appearance tied to the release is scheduled for June 20–21 at CORE, a Mumbai pop culture festival organised by BWO at the Jio World Convention Centre.
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Inox Pictures, said: “Doraemon is a character that has transcended generations and holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indian fans. At a time when the growing popularity of anime and Japanese storytelling continues to find passionate audiences across India, we are delighted to bring Doraemon the Movie to theatres across the country and create a shared big-screen experience for families, children, and longtime fans alike.”
An official Indian social media page, Doraemon Movie India, has also been launched to share updates and promotional content ahead of the October release.
International Release Timeline
India joins a growing list of international markets following the Japan debut, with the October 2 date part of a broader global rollout through the second half of 2026.
| Country | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Japan | February 27, 2026 |
| Vietnam | May 22, 2026 |
| South Korea | July 1, 2026 |
| India | October 2, 2026 |
| Thailand | October 8, 2026 |
Why It Matters
Doraemon’s Indian television run spans more than two decades, building generations of fans around the iconic blue robotic cat and his companion Nobita. The theatrical release is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to experience that world on the big screen, and for younger viewers, a cinema-first introduction to a beloved franchise.
The multi-language rollout in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu reflects a commitment to reaching audiences well beyond major metros, backed by the franchise’s long broadcast presence across the country.
