logo
The hidden gem that blends action, emotion, and timeless bonds: Ushio & Tora

The hidden gem that blends action, emotion, and timeless bonds: Ushio & Tora

Time of India10-05-2025

Credits: Crunchyroll
In an era which is dominated by high-budget animation and trending fantasy worlds, some
anime
quietly leave a deeper mark on fans—not through flash, but through the heart. Ushio & Tora is one of those rare anime titles. Although it never reached the global sensation status, the series still continues to resonate with fans who discovered its powerful blend of old-school action,
emotional storytelling
, and surprisingly a moving friendship.
Operation Sindoor
Pak drones enter Indian airspace, explosions heard just hours after truce deal
Sirens, explosions in border districts after Pak breaks deal: What we know so far
'What happened to ceasefire?' J&K CM after explosions heard across Srinagar
Ushio & Tora is based on the award-winning 1990s manga by
Kazuhiro Fujita
, Ushio & Tora received an anime adaptation in 2015-2016. While it may not have dominated streaming charts with shows like Attack on Titan or My Hero Academia, but it carved out a legacy all its own—one rooted in sincerity and soul.
Ushio & Tora: A tale of enemies, allies, and the power of trust
Credits: Crunchyroll
The story starts off with Ushio Aotsuki, a brave and hot-headed teen who stumbles upon a mystical spear and accidentally releases a fearsome yokai—Tora, a tiger-like demon who had been sealed away for centuries. The two Ushio and Tora are natural enemies, they form a reluctant alliance to face an onslaught of supernatural threats.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips
Amusement Park Equipment | search ads
Click Here
Undo
What anime follows is far more than just monster battles. Ushio & Tora dives deep into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and inner strength, as the two characters slowly move from distrust to an unshakable bond which can't be broken.
Tora starts off as a typical gruff, and sarcastic yokai—more of a comic relief than a partner. But as the story unfolds, he begins to show a side that's rarely ever seen in supernatural beings. There's real vulnerability behind those sharp teeth, and a loyalty that sneaks up on both the characters and the audience. His bond with Ushio grows stronger with every battle, argument, and every moment of trust they both earn for each other. And that's what makes him an unforgettable character.
Ushio, on the other hand, isn't your average polished anime hero. He's one of the reckless, impulsive, and wears his heart on his sleeve. But over the time, you see him evolve—not just in strength, but in maturity. He becomes someone who carries the weight of others' lives, driven by compassion rather than pride. By the end of the anime, you're not just watching a boy fight demons—you're witnessing a young man becoming a true protector.
The heart of the anime, Ushio & Tora, is really just about people—or rather, about the bonds we build over time, even with those we were never meant to trust. It's about how relationships can change from hatred to friendship, from strangers to soul-deep connections. That emotional journey is what gives the show its staying power—even long after the final scene fades out.
Why it slipped under the radar—and why it's worth a second chance
Why didn't Ushio & Tora blow up like other anime of its time? A big reason was its timing. It hit the screens when the anime world was filled with flashy, cinematic hits. Whereas Ushio & Tora with its retro-inspired visuals and traditional storytelling, Ushio & Tora may have looked a little old-fashioned compared to the titles like Attack on Titan or One Punch Man. For new fans, it just didn't stand out much at first glance.
Credits: Crunchyroll
Then there is the pacing issue. The anime tried to fit almost the entire manga into just 39 episodes, which meant some emotional moments had to be skipped or rushed. That might have made it harder for some viewers to get fully interested from the start.
But for those fans who stuck with it till the end? The experience was incredible for them. Fans who finished the anime often call it a 'hidden gem' or 'underrated masterpiece.' It doesn't rely on spectacle or trends—it leans into authentic character growth, genuine emotions, and a story that hits you where it matters most: the heart.
In a time where anime majorly dazzles us with animation but lacks substance, Ushio & Tora is a gentle reminder that what really stays are the stories that are built on connection, courage, and humanity.
If you're in the mood for something which is a little deeper—something that blends classic
supernatural battles
with emotional storytelling—Ushio & Tora is absolutely worth your time. Underneath all the
yokai
chaos lies a timeless, heartfelt tale of trust, sacrifice, and the bonds that define us.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. And don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana' trailer: Diganth returns; Four murders, one accident
‘Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana' trailer: Diganth returns; Four murders, one accident

Time of India

time13 minutes ago

  • Time of India

‘Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana' trailer: Diganth returns; Four murders, one accident

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Kannada cinema's charming star Diganth Manchale is back, this time in a quirky black comedy titled 'Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana' (translated as The Reason for the Left-Handed Accident). Directed by Samarth B Kadkol, the film blends murder, mystery, and humour in a plot where nothing—and no one—is what they seem. The newly released trailer hints at a refreshingly quirky storyline that centers on four murders and a mysterious accident — all somehow connected to the main character's unusual struggle of being left-handed in a world designed for right-handers. Diganth as Lohit Rajesh: A leftie caught in chaos Diganth steps into the role of Lohit Rajesh, a techie who kicks off the trailer with an odd but attention-grabbing revelation — he's involved in four murders and one accident. But according to him, none of it is really his fault. His explanation? Being left-handed in a right-handed world naturally leads to 'accidents.' It's a strange premise, but one that instantly sets the tone for a film packed with oddball humour, unexpected twists, and plenty of chaos. The story leans heavily on situational comedy while keeping a layer of suspense alive throughout. Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana Official Trailer |Diganth|Dhanu|Nidhi |Samarth |Hyphen - Keelambi Studio A strong ensemble adds to the fun The film also stars Nidhi Subbaiah , Dhanu Harsha, Sourav Lokesh, and Krishna Hebbale, with special appearances by Radhika Narayan and Nirup Bhandari. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo With this cast and its offbeat setup, the film promises a fun, entertaining ride full of quirky moments and unpredictable turns. Audiences seem to be highly impressed by the trailer. One wrote, 'Left Hand Lohitಗೆ…ಜೈ ಬಹುದಿನಗಳಾದ ಮೇಲೆ ಕನ್ನಡಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ Childhood ಜೋಡಿ ದಿಗಂತ್ ಹಾಗೂ ನಿಧಿ ಸುಭಯ್ಯ ಮತ್ತೆ ಬೆಳ್ಳಿ ತೆರೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ. (Hats off to Left Hand Lohit After a long time, a good film has come to Kannada. Our childhood star pair, Diganth and Nidhi Subbaiah, are back together on the silver screen.)' Another one wrote, 'This is how trailer should be. .. Kathe nu bitkod'de, curiosity build madide.. Kannadadalli olle trailer cut madalla anta ansodu... Finally they did it!. This movie should become superhit!.' Diganth's massive comeback is on cards The film also marks a reunion between Diganth and Nidhi Subbaiah, a pair that charmed audiences with the cult romantic hit Pancharangi in 2010. Over a decade later, their screen presence still holds nostalgic value for fans. Meanwhile, Diganth appears to be establishing himself as the go-to face for quirky roles, with recent films like 'Bachelor Party' and 'Powder'. 'Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana', set to release in theatres on June 13, could be another feather in his cap, and the expectations are quite high.

Ekta Kapoor Calls Anurag Kashyap 'Dumb' After He Takes A Dig At Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos I EXPLAINED
Ekta Kapoor Calls Anurag Kashyap 'Dumb' After He Takes A Dig At Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos I EXPLAINED

News18

time17 minutes ago

  • News18

Ekta Kapoor Calls Anurag Kashyap 'Dumb' After He Takes A Dig At Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos I EXPLAINED

BTS Reunion: RM & V Officially Released From Mandatory Military Service, Fans Go WILD I N18G Snoop Dogg, Doechii, Muni Long & More Walk The Red Carpet At BET Awards 2025 | WATCH | N18G trending news Raja Raghuvanshi's Sister Removes Spa Promotion Video Shared Days After His Death Amid Backlash 'Looking Forward To An Enthralling Contest': Jay Shah Sends His Wishes Ahead Of WTC Final The Silent Crisis: Indian Families Delay Crucial Insurance Decisions Nita Ambani Makes A Royal Statement In A Sindoori Red Banarasi Silk Saree latest news

Ananya Panday: From Chanel to local endorsements, Gen Z's ‘brand Bae' has her breakout moment
Ananya Panday: From Chanel to local endorsements, Gen Z's ‘brand Bae' has her breakout moment

Mint

time18 minutes ago

  • Mint

Ananya Panday: From Chanel to local endorsements, Gen Z's ‘brand Bae' has her breakout moment

Bollywood actor Ananya Panday is fast becoming one of the most in-demand celebrity endorsers in India, riding high on her growing resonance with Gen Z audiences. And she's just about getting started. Panday's brand partnerships have jumped sharply in the past year or so and in April, she became Chanel's first-ever Indian brand ambassador. Other international brands she has represented in India include Jimmy Choo in 2023, Swarovski and Beats by Dr. Dre in 2024 and Timex. Panday was the youngest Indian actor to represent Jimmy Choo, cementing her leap from a rising actor to a global fashion face. Ad pundits said her endorsement slate has surged in the past two years. Other top advertisers that she endorses include Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Amazon, Gillette India, and Parle. Over half of her campaigns are with HUL alone, showing strong trust in her FMCG positioning. With about 30 active brand endorsements, especially in FMCG and retail, and an annual fee upwards of ₹2 crore per brand, Panday, 26, is now a hot commodity in the celebrity endorsement market. Also Read | The curious case of big celebrities staying away from endorsements According to Aviral Jain, managing director and head of restructuring for India at Kroll, a risk and financial advisory solutions firm, Panday has emerged as the 'blue-eyed 'Bae' of brands," thanks to her fresh appeal, massive digital following and rising global visibility. Shraddha Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna are also strong contenders in this youth-focused segment. "In their post-marriage and motherhood phases, stars like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Taapsee Pannu are becoming a little less relevant. Brands are looking for younger, effervescent faces and are increasingly turning to Ananya Panday," said Sandeep Goyal, chairman of ad agency Rediffusion. 'The demand for her is only going to push up pricing." Authentic connection With pricing poised to rise and her name cropping up in more high-value campaigns, Panday may just be getting started. Kroll said in a report in 2024 that Gen Z celebrities are driving a shift in brand endorsements with their strong digital presence and authentic connection with young audiences. Unlike traditional stars, they use social media to express themselves, support causes, and engage directly with fans—making brand partnerships feel more personal and credible, said Jain of Kroll. Data collected by Kroll for Mint showed a shift in the Gen Z endorsement race in 2024. While actor Sara Ali Khan led with the number of endorsements in 2023, Panday surged ahead in 2024, doubling her brand deals from 16 to 30. Her signings in 2025 include Camay, CaratLane, Closeup, TRESemmé and Venus, along with a global breakthrough as Chanel's first Indian-origin ambassador. The French luxury group posted sales of $18.7 billion in 2024 and plans to add 48 Chanel stores this year, nearly half in the US and China, as well as in Mexico, India and Canada, Reuters reported. Also Read | Celebrities lose ground on endorsements as more brands turn to influencers Khan, meanwhile, has maintained a steady presence with 20+ brands in both years. In terms of value, Gen Z actor Janhvi Kapoor and cricketer Shubman Gill lead at ₹3 crore per deal, while Panday and Khan are in the ₹2-2.5 crore range. Most other Gen Z stars fall between ₹1-1.5 crore per brand, said industry insiders. Mint reached out to Panday's agency, Dharma Cornerstone, but did not receive any response till publishing time. Panday's film roles include those in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023) and Gehraiyaan (2022). She has more than 26 million followers on Instagram. Gen Z magnet Panday's estimated brand value was $14 million in 2023 and is expected to jump by 40% this year, with a further upside forecast in 2025, according to Kroll. Beyond fashion and beauty, Panday's endorsements cut across categories—from tech and ecommerce to FMCG and real estate. Experts say brands are increasingly looking for endorsers who are both aspirational and relatable on platforms like Instagram and YouTube—areas where she has built strong equity. Also Read | Celebrities hit back at social media trolls with defamation suits to safeguard their reputations

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store