‘Hirayasumi’ Anime Adaptation Greenlit by Viz Media

MANGA MILESTONE

Viz Media, a leading manga and anime platform, has greenlit an anime adaptation of Keigo Shinzo‘s acclaimed manga “Hirayasumi,” partnering with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions. Production +h. (“The Orbital Children,” “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction”) will handle animation duties.

The slice-of-life series, which debuted in “Weekly Big Comic Spirits” in 2021 and launched in English through Viz in 2024, has moved 1.1 million copies worldwide across six volumes. The manga follows 29-year-old Hiroto Ikuta, a carefree protagonist navigating life without conventional ambitions.

“Hirayasumi” has swept major awards including the 2021 Kagayake! Bros Comic Awards Grand Prize, the 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Grand Prize, and Italy’s Lucca Comics & Games 2024 Best Ongoing Comic honor. A live-action adaptation is also in development.

CLASSIC COMEBACK

Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, in association with National Film Development Corporation–National Film Archive of India, will present a India-wide theatrical retrospective of Guru Dutt‘s restored classics from Aug. 8-10, marking the legendary filmmaker’s 100th birth anniversary.

Over 250 cinemas across India will screen newly restored 4K versions of “Pyaasa,” “Aar Paar,” “Chaudhvin Ka Chand,” “Mr. & Mrs. 55,” and “Baaz.”

“Guru Dutt’s films are timeless masterpieces that have influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences alike,” said Sushilkumar Agrawal, MD and CEO, Ultra Media and Entertainment Group.

“Restoring Guru Dutt’s films goes far beyond reviving old reels. It’s about safeguarding a priceless legacy that defines the soul of Indian cinema,” added Prakash Magdum, MD, NFDC.

The films were restored under the National Film Heritage Mission.

DRAMA DUO

Globalsphere Studios, the joint venture led by MediaHub‘s Kerim Emrah Turna and Geophil‘s Robin Philip, has begun production on its second original Turkish drama series, “Aşka Mahkum” (English: “Bitter Justice”), a co-production with India’s Shemaroo Entertainment.

Following the success of debut title “Alaca” (45′ x 120), released in 2024, which hit key viewership milestones with deals covering Europe, Latin America, and APAC, the new series will premiere at Mipcom 2025 with a first-look screening.

“Bitter Justice” follows a tragic construction accident that leaves businessman Noyan Demir’s wife gravely injured and their unborn child lost. The series explores power, revenge, and redemption as safety officer Memduh’s daughter Dünya is forced into servitude, quietly fighting for justice.