ITV

Category: GECs

  • Discovery Plus offers limited period annual subscription at Rs 99

    Discovery Plus offers limited period annual subscription at Rs 99

    MUMBAI: Discovery Plus, with an aim to engage audiences in the period of extended lockdown, has launched a limited time annual subscription package at an unbelievable price of Rs 99. The offer gives users an annual subscription at the cost of a monthly plan.  The #SafetyExtended offer can be availed on the Premium page of the app and is available till 11.59 pm, 16 April.  To drive home the message, Discovery Plus has launched digital campaign urging people to stay indoors with a film titled ‘The outdoors can wait’.

    Further, Discovery Plus will be releasing an anthology of three Covid-19 documentaries this week, which can be streamed without a premium account in light of widespread curiosity about the Pandemic. Among the specials to be released is Pandemic Covid 19, a 45-minute probing documentary where experts reveal why COVID-19 is unique, why the world was so unprepared for it and what could have been done differently to contain its spread.  

    The streaming service, which was launched earlier this year, offers thousands of hours of exclusive content across 40+ genres, including Science, Adventure, Food and Lifestyle, in 8 languages including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali & Marathi.

    Discovery Digital (South Asia) business head Issac John said, “Our campaign film drives the message of urging audiences to stay indoors while bringing alive the most picturesque outdoors on earth – outdoors which can be seen through myriad shows that are available on the app. The idea of the #SafetyExtended offer is to help families across the country enjoy and engage with premium and high-quality real-life entertainment during the extended lockdown period. Alongside, given the huge interest amongst audiences about Covid-19, we’re releasing three documentaries on Covid-19 which will be available for free consumption on the platform.”

    The content on Discovery Plus has been carefully curated from the world’s most trusted content brands such as Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, BBC, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, ID, Food Network, HGTV, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Motortrend and VICE.

    Developed and curated especially for the Indian audience, Discovery Plus has seen a strong rise in consumption since its launch last month, with shows on science, adventure and lifestyle receiving a phenomenal response from viewers.

  • Colors launches video campaign featuring lead artists in association with Goonj

    Colors launches video campaign featuring lead artists in association with Goonj

    MUMBAI: Colors has launched a video campaign featuring its lead artists in association with Goonj. Through the heartening rendition of the song Hum Honge Kamayab (We shall overcome) that has eternally been our source of inspiration, actors of the channel's popular shows Choti Sarrdaarni, Naagin..Bhagya Is Zehreela Khel, Vidya, Pavitra Bhagya, Shakti.. Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, Shubharambh, Barrister Babu and Naati Pinky motivate us to not lose hope and urge everyone to help and contribute for the betterment of the ones in need. 

    Viacom18 Hindi mass entertainment chief content officer Manisha Sharma said, "The lockdown has impacted us in a big way and brought our lives to a halt. We all are eagerly waiting for the day when everything gets back to normal and the hope to witness it is unceasing.  The song ‘Hum Honge Kamayab’ echoes all our sentiments right now and instills a sense of positivity. The video is our endeavor to  remind the viewers that we are in this together.  While we might be going through tough times, the future will be bright  and we will break the chain to come out of it  stronger and braver."

  • Zee Kannada hosts auditions from home for ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs’ & ‘Drama Juniors’

    Zee Kannada hosts auditions from home for ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs’ & ‘Drama Juniors’

    MUMBAI: Zee Kannada is keen to provide opportunities for musical talent from different parts of the State by hosting auditions for the new seasons of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Drama Juniors from the homes of eager participants.

    The auditions for the marquee singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 18 and Drama Juniors Season 4 began starting from 12 April 2020 and goes on until the lockdown ends.

    The all-new seasons seek to continue bringing the 50 of the finest young talents for each show across the State and help them grow on the stem of their musical and acting abilities and scale their fullest potentials through 3 rounds via WhatsApp.

    For audition at Li’l Champion between 4-15 years viewers can record the video of their singing and share a 1-2-minute video in MP4 format on WhatsApp number – 9513134434.

    The Drama Juniors who trooped in flamboyantly and won viewers heart with their performance last season is open for auditions for kids between 4-15 years. The viewers can send the video of 1-2 minute in MP4 format to 9538066602 from their WhatsApp number.

  • Zee Picchar becomes No. 2 movie channel in Karnataka

    Zee Picchar becomes No. 2 movie channel in Karnataka

    MUMBAI:: As per the recently released BARC weekly data, ZEE Picchar has claimed the second position in the Kannada movies genre with a total of 85.47 million impressions in its month of launch. In an already-cluttered market with players who are long-established, this position demonstrates the network’s strong resonance with the consumer interests and sentiments in Karnataka. With ZEE Kannada already holding the leadership position in the market for over a year now, ZEE network is all set to capture a sizeable share of the television viewership. ZEE Picchar’s launch has also been the most successful one the industry has seen in the last 3 years. 

    Launched with the unique promise of giving its viewers a Hit Dinada Feeling every day, the channel also stands out due to a robust movie library spanning generations and genres and consisting of some of the television’s highest rated movies like Kurukshetra, Doddmane Hudga, Pailwan, The Villain, Hebuli etc. With an innovative content strategy, wherein the channel premiered 12 new movies on 12 days consecutively for the first time ever for this genre, the channel has received an overwhelming response from Sandalwood movie lovers.

    ZEEL domestic broadcast business chief consumer officer Prathyusha Agarwal said: “The exceptional performance of ZEE Picchar stands testimony to our network’s extraordinary commitment to be reflective of the cultural core of our viewers in each region that we operate in. With our ‘soul to screen’ approach, we tried to bring alive the love of cinema and celebrate its role in the lives of Kannadigas through this channel. And we are extremely happy that our audiences have given us a “Hit Dinada feeling’ in return by recognising our efforts and appreciating our offering.”

    ZEE Kannada and ZEE Picchar business head Raghavendra Hunsur said: “I am extremely proud of Zee Picchar’s achievement as it clearly portrays that the channel has found love from Kannadigas, marking a milestone in the Kannada television market. For the first time in three years, a new channel has received as much encouragement and we are deeply humbled by the response. We are certain to only scale upwards from here as we have miles to go to achieve our goal. We are driving the channel’s placement further as we want the channel to be available across all homes for all our viewers in Karnataka. There is much more movie entertainment to come from ZEE Picchar for all our viewers. We are touched by the overwhelming support of our ardent viewers; we urge everyone to stay indoors and stay safe while having a hit day with ZEE Picchar.”

    With a strong library of 350+ films, audience interests’-based programming throughout the day and exclusive titles, the channel is geared up to continue delivering on its strong debut performance and keep winning the hearts and minds of the Kannadigas who love watching movies.

  • Asianet to air Vishu-Easter special programmes

    Asianet to air Vishu-Easter special programmes

    MUMBAI: Leading GEC in Kerala Asianet has come up with an array of special programmes for Vishu on 14 April.

    The day begins with superhit movie Ittimani made in China starring Mohanlal, Radhika Sarath Kuma , KPAC Lalitha and Honey Rose at 9 am, followed by another box office hit movie Android Kunjappan  starring Saubin and Suraj Venjaramood at 12noon. 

    Afternoon programmes include special programme Veendum Chila Veettu Viseshangal , a chat show with Jayaram, Ramesh Pisharodi, Tini Tom, Kalabhavan Prajod and singers  Sujatha Mohan and Swetha Mohan and  musical game show Sarigama  hosted by M G Sreekumar at 3PM.

    Mass thriller movie Thrissurpooram  starring Jayasoorya, Swathi Reddy, Indrans, Sabumon and Mallika Sukumaran at 4pm and historical period action thriller mega hit movie Mamangam starring Mammootty, Unni MUkundan, Siddique, Prachi, Anu Sithara, Kaniha and Iniya at 6.30PM

  • &TV launches ‘Ek Desh Ek Awaaz’ initiative on Ambedkar Jayanti

    &TV launches ‘Ek Desh Ek Awaaz’ initiative on Ambedkar Jayanti

    MUMBAI: This Ambedkar Jayanti, &TV will launch the ‘Ek Desh Ek Awaaz’ initiative, to pay a special tribute to Babasaheb and his vision of a unified India. As a part of this initiative, the channel urges everyone to come together for Bheem Vandana and pay special homage to Babasaheb on 14 April at 8 pm only on &TV. 

    Considered as the architect of the Indian constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar was a leader par excellence and whose legacy is unparalleled. He believed that the only way India could foster national unity and stability was through instating a unified code of One Nation One Constitution.  

    Here’s what television artists had to say about the great man who charted the course of the country, to become a nation unified by one constitution.   

    Prasad Jawade says:  “Dr BR Ambedkar laid the foundation of a unified India by bringing millions of Indians under the ambit of one nation and one constitution. His teachings and philosophy still resonate with the Indians across the country, even today."

    Neha Joshi says:  “Babasaheb truly was a visionary leader. Today, the way our nation has progressed, a lot of credit goes to him. He not only brought people together but also got them to take collective action towards all forms of suppression.”

    Jagannath Nivangune says: “Dr Ambedkar was truly a leader par excellence. His work has touched and impacted the lives of all Indians.”

    Sneha Wagh says: “Babasaheb has been an inspiration to many. His ability to challenge and mobilize a revolution that redefined the democracy for the Indian soil made him one of the greatest leaders of our times.”

    Rohitashv Gour says: “Dr BR Ambedkar was a great visionary leader. His only dream was to make our country as one unified nation through various social and economic reforms and of course through the writing of the Indian constitution.”  

    Aasif Sheikh says: “I have grown up reading stories of Dr BR Ambedkar, and his fight for equality has had a great influence on me. Dr Ambedkar has been the most powerful advocate of equality and fraternity in modern India.”  

    Gracy Singh says: “Babasaheb is one of the most prominent voices in Indian history. Be it his fight for equality, women empowerment, or his involvement in the reformation of education; he has impacted the lives of every Indian.” 

    Yogesh Tripathi says: “Dr Ambedkar envisaged our society as one based on liberty, equality and fraternity. It takes great vision and belief to bring about social and economic reforms that touched so many lives. Few other leaders could unite the nation the way Babasaheb did.” 

  • Sony SAB brings back iconic television series ‘Office Office’

    Sony SAB brings back iconic television series ‘Office Office’

    MUMBAI: Sony SAB is bringing one of India's favorite comedy shows Office Office back, to give viewers a much-needed dose of happiness in these challenging times. The show garnered immense love from the fans following its initial release and featured a stellar cast of the finest actors in the industry including Pankaj Kapur, Deven Bhojani, Sanjay Mishra, Manoj Pahwa amongst others. Viewers will be able to enjoy this office caper once again starting 13 April 2020, Monday to Friday at 6 pm and 10.30 pm only on Sony SAB.

    A comedy for all generations, Office Office revolves around the character Mussadilal and his struggle to get his work done from an office filled with employees all having annoying yet entertaining and unique characteristics. Originally aired in 2001, the show presented a fresh take on comedy with immaculately crafted episodic stories and an array of characters that continue to be highly relatable even today. The show amassed a huge following due to its rib-tickling humour, family friendly content and endearing characters being portrayed by seasoned actors. 

    For Sony SAB, Office Office is a quality addition to an already existing stellar line-up of shows that aim to deliver light-hearted values-driven content that is enjoyed by households across the country. Fans of Sony SAB can continue enjoying an exciting line-up of shows such as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Baalveer Returns, Bhakharwadi, Maddam Sir, Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga amongst others.  

    Sony SAB business head Neeraj Vyas says: "We are bringing Office Office back on Indian Television in an attempt to put smile on the faces of our viewers. We proudly call ourselves as 'Happiness Enablers' and during these tough times, our intention is to continue to deliver quality content that families across India can enjoy together. Office Office is one of the most beloved shows on Indian television and we are extremely happy to bring it back for our discerning viewers. The show's highly relatable content and humor will attract both sets of audiences – the ones who cherished and loved the show when it first aired as well as the younger viewers who might be discovering the show for the first time ever." 

  • Star World features post-apocalyptic TV show The Walking Dead

    Star World features post-apocalyptic TV show The Walking Dead

    MUMBAI: India’s leading English entertainment channel, Star World, has brought some of the most star-studded, critically acclaimed, and audience-favourite shows to Indian television. Continuing its stride, this April, the channel has announced the airing of all seasons of one of the greatest post-apocalyptic TV shows of all-time:  The Walking Dead. So while you are staying home and wondering what to watch next, Star World is here to reduce your hassle of having to choose the best. Watch The Walking Dead Season one to ten, every night starting 11 PM, only on Star World!

    Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman (also the show producer), Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, the series features a large ensemble cast who try to survive a zombie apocalypse. The show has been nominated for several awards, including the Writers Guild of America Award for New Series and the Golden Globe Award for the Best TV Series – Drama!

    Coming with an intense story line, this post-apocalyptic America has a virus outbreak which has created shambling undead creatures – call them what you want — zombies, walkers, biters, or roamers, and they are here with one mission: To feed on human flesh! Following perhaps the most popularized apocalyptic scenario, the show, currently on its season 10, has left us all at a cliff-hanger – a zombie horde surrounding a hospital where survivors are hiding! Throughout all seasons, the series follows a small group of close-knit survivors as they’re forced to band together and fend off evil on all fronts in an attempt to rebuild society.

    This show with ten whole seasons of zombie-fighting, award-winning gore, has received a massive cult following around the world. And so, if you haven’t already binged it, find out what the hype is about. Sort out your midnight binge craves and check out The Walking Dead all seasons currently airing in India on Star World every night starting 11 pm.

  • Prasar Bharati takes nostalgic ride with new channel DD Retro

    Prasar Bharati takes nostalgic ride with new channel DD Retro

    MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati is all set to take people on a nostalgic ride after the success of Ramayan and Mahabharat re-runs with its new fourth general entertainment channel DD Retro. The channel will air some of the old iconic shows like Upanishad Ganga, Mahabharat, and Chanakya, among others. Currently, it is available on DD Free Dish which reaches out to almost 30 million people across the country.

    In an earlier interview with Indiantelevision.com, Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati said: "After the news of Ramayan made headlines and social media trends were dominated by it, we have had a flood of rights holders themselves approaching us with iconic content that aired in the past on DD."

    Last week, two of Doordarshan's general entertainment channels, DD National and DD Bharti entered the top ten channels list in urban as well as pay platforms. DD National grabbed the leading position with the broadcast of old shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktiman, etc. DD National also started airing Subhash Sagar's Alif Laila. Prasar Bharati's aim is to ensure that people will get to watch their favourite old shows during lockdown.

  • Prasar Bharati’s Ramayana gets into Twitter controversy

    Prasar Bharati’s Ramayana gets into Twitter controversy

    MUMBAI: Any news is good news is an adage many have followed and touted. But Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati did not expect that Ramayana which is currently getting the country glued to Doordarshan’s channels and to the TV to be caught in the thick of controversy over the source for telecasting the series on the public broadcaster.

    It all started with tweet from independent journalist Neha Dixit, in which she said: “Apologies for the inane tweet. But Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, is streaming Ramayana from a Moser Baer DVD. Along with the watermark.” 

    As proof, she posted a screen capture of Arun Govil, who plays Ram in the show, prominently displaying the watermark. 

    That got Shashi Shekhar’s goat who promptly responded: “This does not seem to be from Doordarshan, please recheck your source.”

    To which,  Neha did not respond. 

    That started a war on twitter with hundreds of twitterati blasting Dixit and one of the publications she writes for – The Wire. Some twitterati also suggested that DD should sue her for her brand of journalism. 

    But both Shashi Shekhar and Neha chose to stay mum, even though many of his followers said that the screengrab has been taken from a YouTube channel – where the show is running – and is being passed of as that from DD.