Animation channel Animax has crossed the 8-million mark in terms of connectivity, say company officials. The channel, which was launched on July 5, now reaches ninety percent of India's five metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.

Distributed by the One Alliance, the breakthrough, says Shantonu Aditya, president, SET Discovery Pvt. Ltd, has been the best for a new channel in recent times. "Amongst the niche channels that have been launched in the recent past, the initial reach of Animax has probably been the best. Within the next few weeks, we will double this connectivity and reach 16-million households nationally."

Animax has three key prime time blocks catering to viewers of different age groups as well as special programming on weekends. The channel features animation from Japan including global successes such as Astro Boy, Gundam and Dragon Ball.

The channel is dubbed in Hindi and English, with plans to localise in terms of content in the near future.