As the OTT release of the global animation juggernaut Ne Zha 2 approaches, the excitement among Indian fans is being met with a growing wave of requests. The record-breaking sequel, which has shattered box office milestones to become the highest-grossing animated film in history, is officially scheduled to land on JioHotstar on February 20, 2026. However, while the film is slated for release in English, Hindi, and the original Mandarin, a significant portion of the audience feels left out.
Subscribers across South India are taking to social media to voice their disappointment, demanding that the platform release the film in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
For a movie rooted in deep mythology, a genre that traditionally performs exceptionally well in regional markets, fans argue that a three-language release misses a massive opportunity to connect with a diverse audience.
The demand isn’t without merit. When Ne Zha 2 hit Indian theatres in April 2025 via Warner Bros. Discovery, it didn’t just rely on Hindi and English. The theatrical run saw the film presented with Tamil and Telugu subtitles, acknowledging the strong fanbase for high-quality animation in those regions.
Ne Zha 2 has become a cultural touchstone, earning over $2.2 billion worldwide. Its story of a rebellious young boy fighting against destiny that resonates across cultures, but its specific mythological flair has a unique appeal in India, where epic storytelling is part of the DNA.
By limiting the initial OTT release to English and Hindi, JioHotstar risks alienating a large segment of viewers, especially from Southern India.
While the current schedule for February 20 remains unchanged, there is precedent for platforms adding regional dubs post-launch based on high demand. Streaming giants often monitor social media sentiment and viewership patterns in the first 48 hours to decide on further localisation.
For now, the countdown to the February 20 JioHotstar premiere continues. Whether Ne Zha 2 will eventually “speak” to the rest of India in their native tongues remains to be seen, but the message from the subscribers is loud and clear: they want more. Stay tuned for more updates.