Cinema VinesAnime India Mumbai opened its doors this weekend, turning the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon into a hub of animated fandom. The three‑day festival, held from August 28 to 30, attracted fans from all corners of India and featured high‑profile guests from the anime industry, including Naruto director Hayato Date and Sakamoto Days producer Ryota Hasegawa.
Attendees could dive into a range of interactive panels, workshops and experiential zones. J‑Pop performers ASCA, Luna Gaomi, Yura Akari and the duo Mofmofmo took the stage, while dedicated areas celebrated popular series such as Demon Slayer, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Doraemon and Pokémon, allowing fans to step into those worlds alongside fellow enthusiasts.
A highlight of the event was the cosplay challenge, which spanned multiple categories and energized the atmosphere. Mumbai native Harrison Ho, 25, appeared as Naruto’s anti‑hero Itachi Uchiha, remarking, “I have been watching anime since 2012, and it has been super amazing getting to see all anime fans get together and celebrate the genre. Words cannot express how good it feels.”
From Odisha, 19‑year‑old Arpita Kujur, dressed as Misa Amane from Death Note, said she felt at home: “The people here are very friendly and it’s nice to connect with other anime fans. I have been watching anime since I was a child, and my passion for it led me to choosing animation as a profession.”
Nashik’s 23‑year‑old Prihas arrived in the guise of Subaru Natsuki from Re: Zero, noting that such gatherings are rare in his hometown. He added, “It’s such a good place for us fans to come together and share our common interest. For seven years, I have been watching anime and Re: Zero has been my favourite. I hope more such events happen. I have gone overseas and seen the kind of celebrations they have, and it gives a platform not just to fans but also to artistes.”
Co‑founder Mishaal Wanvari, alongside Neha Mehta, expressed enthusiasm for tapping into India’s growing anime market. “For the longest time, there was no content being created for young adults and so they got more inclined towards anime. They found action, drama and relatability there, and we wanted to give them a physical experience of that through Anime India. This is an untapped market and the demand for it is huge,” he said.
