MUMBAI: Kids channel Nick has acquired rights to 'Jadoo', a famous character from the film Koi Mil Gaya, as part of its drive to expand local presence.

The 26-episode half-hour show based on the character will be introduced in mid-November. Nick will partner with Mumbai-based Grafiti Multimedia to produce the series.

"Nick is partnering with Grafiti Multimedia and Filmkraft India. We will be launching the live action cum animation show as we step up our localisation drive. We will have 26 episodes to start with," says MTV Networks India managing director Alex Kuruvilla. The character 'Jadoo' was acquired from Filmkraft India, a production house floated by noted star Rakesh Roshan.

"This is the first time ever we are embarking on a project of this scale and are collaborating with a local animation company along with the first ever action oriented animated series. We are looking at merchandising opportunities as well," says Kuruvilla

Adds Graphiti Multimedia chairman and chief creative officer Ram Mohan: "It is a milestone and a big day for us. This is original content and an indigenous product, based on an Indian story."

The promos for the show, likely to air on Sundays, will hit the channel two weeks in advance. School will form an important part of the promotional and marketing strategy for the show.

"Jadoo is just the first in a series of major announcements that we expect to make on Nick," says Kurvilla.