Motu Aur Patlu Ki Jodi:- On this day 11 years ago, two lovable characters named Motu and Patlu made their TV debut. Created by Kriya Comics and brought to life by Cosmos-Maya, Motu Aur Patlu Ki Jodi (Motu and Patlu’s Pair) quickly became a household name. With their hilarious antics, endless samosa cravings, and heartwarming friendship, this Indian cartoon duo has captured the hearts of millions. But what makes Motu Patlu so special? Let’s explore their journey, impact, and why they’re still ruling Indian animation in 2023.
The Origins of Motu and Patlu: From Comics to Cartoons
Motu and Patlu first appeared in the 1970s in Lotpot, a popular Hindi comic magazine. Created by Kriya Comics, the comics featured simple, funny stories about two friends living in Furfuri Nagar. Their adventures were filled with slapstick humor, quirky characters, and a touch of Indian culture.
In 2012, Cosmos-Maya, an Indian animation studio, partnered with Nickelodeon India to adapt these comics into a 3D animated series. The goal was to create a homegrown show that could compete with international cartoons like Doraemon and Shin Chan. The gamble paid off. Today, Motu Patlu is one of India’s longest-running animated shows, with over 500 episodes and a massive fan base.
Meet the Stars: Who Are Motu and Patlu?
The show revolves around two main characters:
- Motu:
- A food-loving, overweight man with superhuman strength.
- His favorite food? Samosas! He can eat 100 in one sitting.
- Despite his laziness, he’s brave and loyal to Patlu.
- Patlu:
- Motu’s skinny, smart friend who often cleans up Motu’s messes.
- Loves reading books and coming up with plans.
- His catchphrase: “Arre yaar Motu!” (Oh no, Motu!).
The duo lives in Furfuri Nagar, a quirky town filled with colorful characters like:
- John the Don: A clumsy gangster who wants to rule the town.
- Dr. Jhatka: A crazy inventor whose gadgets always backfire.
- Chingam: A strict police officer who hates Motu-Patlu’s chaos.
Why Kids (and Adults) Love Motu Patlu
Motu Patlu’s success can be attributed to three key factors:
1. Slapstick Comedy That Keeps You Laughing
The show thrives on over-the-top humor. Think:
- Motu accidentally sitting on a cactus.
- John the Don slipping on banana peels.
- Dr. Jhatka’s “Anti-Gravity Powder” making everyone float upside down.
It’s simple, silly, and perfect for kids.
2. A Strong Connection to Indian Culture
Unlike imported cartoons, Motu Patlu feels desi (local). Examples include:
- Samosas and chai being central to many episodes.
- Festivals like Diwali and Holi featuring in special episodes.
- Characters wearing kurta-pajamas and using Hindi phrases like “Dhanyavaad” (Thank you).
3. Life Lessons Wrapped in Fun
Beneath the chaos, the show teaches valuable lessons:
- Friendship (Motu and Patlu never leave each other).
- Bravery (they always stand up to John the Don).
- Problem-solving (Patlu’s clever plans save the day).
The Making of Motu Patlu: Behind the Scenes
Creating an episode of Motu Patlu is a detailed process:
- Scriptwriting: Writers adapt stories from Lotpot comics or create new ones.
- Voice Acting: Famous dubbing artists like Saurav Chakraborty (Motu) and Omi Sharma (Patlu) bring the characters to life.
- Animation: Teams in India and Malaysia design the 3D characters and vibrant backgrounds.
- Music: The catchy theme song “Motu Patlu Ki Jodi” is sung by Swaroop Khan.
Each episode takes 4-6 weeks to produce and costs around ₹10-15 lakh (12,000−12,000−18,000).
Controversies: Why Some Parents Dislike Motu Patlu
Despite its popularity, Motu Patlu has faced criticism:
1. “Too Violent for Kids”
Critics argue the show normalizes violence. Scenes include:
- Motu hitting goons with ladders.
- John the Don using bombs and guns.
- Characters falling from heights (and surviving unrealistically).
In 2017, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) asked broadcasters to review cartoons like Motu Patlu for violence.
2. Promoting Unhealthy Habits
Motu’s obsession with samosas worries parents. They fear kids might copy:
- Overeating junk food.
- Laziness (Motu rarely exercises).
3. Gender Stereotypes
Female characters like Mrs. Chamanlal (Motu’s neighbor) are often sidelined. They’re usually shown cooking or scolding the duo.
Global Fame: Motu Patlu Beyond India
The duo isn’t just an Indian sensation. They’re huge in:
- Bangladesh: Dubbed in Bengali, the show airs on Duronto TV.
- Sri Lanka: Sinhala-dubbed episodes are broadcast on Sirasa TV.
- Middle East: Arabic versions air in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
In 2016, Motu Patlu entered the Guinness World Records for the “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Cartoon Characters” in Mumbai.
Movies and Specials: When Motu-Patlu Hit the Big Screen
The duo’s TV success led to spin-offs:
- Motu Patlu: King of Kings (2016): A film where they travel to Egypt.
- Motu Patlu in Space (2023): A special episode with aliens and robots.
- Festival Specials: Diwali and Christmas episodes with bonus comedy.
Merchandise Mania: From Tiffin Boxes to Video Games
Love for Motu-Patlu isn’t limited to TV. Fans can buy:
- Toys: Action figures of John the Don and Dr. Jhatka.
- School Supplies: Bags, lunchboxes, and stationery.
- Video Games: Motu Patlu: Speed Racing and Cyber Police on Android/iOS.
Brands like Parle and Britannia have used Motu-Patlu in ads to target kids.
Behind the Voices: Meet the Actors You’ve Never Seen
The voice artists are the unsung heroes:
- Saurav Chakraborty (Motu): Gives Motu his loud, greedy tone.
- Omi Sharma (Patlu): Uses a high-pitched voice for Patlu’s nervousness.
- Vinod Kulkarni (John the Don): Masters the villain’s angry growls.
2023 Updates: What’s New with Motu-Patlu?
The duo is still going strong:
- New Episodes: Nickelodeon airs fresh episodes every week.
- YouTube Boom: Clips on WowKidz channel get 50M+ monthly views.
- Social Media Memes: Fans create funny Motu-Patlu memes on Instagram and TikTok.
Rumors say a live-action film is in the works, but Cosmos-Maya hasn’t confirmed it yet.
Why Motu-Patlu Will Outlive Their Critics
Critics call them “too silly,” but here’s why they’re here to stay:
- Relatability: Every Indian knows a foodie like Motu or a brainy friend like Patlu.
- Cultural Pride: A rare Indian cartoon that beats foreign imports.
- Timeless Humor: Slapstick comedy never gets old for kids.
As director Suraj Kumar says, “Motu-Patlu is like ‘gol-gappa’—spicy, messy, and loved by all.”
The Final Word: Will Furfuri Nagar Ever Get Peace?
From comic strips to screens, Motu Aur Patlu Ki Jodi has become part of India’s childhood. They’re not perfect, but their loyalty and laughter teach kids valuable lessons.
So, the next time you see Motu devouring samosas or Patlu facepalming, remember: this chaotic duo is a mirror of life itself—unpredictable, messy, and full of joy.
