Return of the Jungle Release Date OUT: The Never-Before-Seen Indian Animation Seeks Inspiration from Panchatantra

Return of the Jungle has finally found its way to Indian cinemas. Slated to release on May 22, 2026, the animated feature was showcased at the Cannes Film Market. Hailing from the Emmy-nominated Indian animation studio, Vaibhav Studios, the 93-minute film is India’s only Emmy-winning animation. The makers shared a major update about its cinematic release, leaving the audience intrigued. The 3D CG animated family feature is now all geared up to make its theatrical debut with the launch of a new teaser trailer. 

Set against the backdrop of modern-day India, the animated film chronicles the journey of a group of fourth-graders who find inspiration and courage in the ancient jungle stories their grandfather tells them. Here’s a closer look at the freshly dropped teaser.

Also Read

The WONDERfools Teaser OUT: Park Eun Bin and Cha Eun Woo’s Superhero Comedy Promises Sheer Amazement

Something Evil Refuses to Die Teaser OUT: The Evil Dead Universe Returns With Darker And More Intense Chapter

Citadel Season 2 Trailer OUT: Richard Madden And Priyanka Chopra Jonas Return with a Bang for Globe-Trotting Spy Drama

Return of the Jungle Release Date Revealed: To Hit Cinemas in May

The preview of Return of the Jungle swoops from lush jungle environments to urban cricket matches, populated by quirky animals, mythic figures, and imaginative kids. For the context, the animated feature is the first in a planned trilogy of the studios, with the sequels currently being written.

The synopsis of the film reads: Nine-year-old Mihir and his friends have been assigned the daunting task of outwitting the biggest, meanest bully in school, Rahul Malhotra. To help them ride through this impossible journey, they have the coolest grandpa in town, Thatha, and his fantastic tales of inspiration from the ancient Jungles of India. Together, they must build a ruthless dinosaur, fight a nerve-racking game of cricket, and travel all the way to Rajasthan to rediscover the power of friendship, compassion, and determination.

Helmed and completely self-financed by Vaibhav, and produced with a core team of about 20 artists at the studio. Interestingly, in 2024, Return of the Jungle was showcased at the Cannes Film Market and held its World Premiere at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. It has received multiple accolades and official selection honors from the Oniros Film Awards (N.Y.C.), the New York International Film Awards, the KIDS International Family Film Festival, Beijing International Children’s Film Festival (Golden Flower Awards), Cartoons on the Bay, Silk Road International Film Festival, and the Mumbai International Film Festival. It is indeed a visual treat to watch the animated film on the big screen, starting May 22.