Category: Regional

Celebrate the almighty with Zee Telugu’s Bonalu Jatara

MUMBAI: Honouring the almighty with their ardent audience, Zee Telugu hosted Bonalu Jatara on July 14th at Kothagudem, Telangana. Bonalu, worshipping Goddess Amman, an annual festival of Telangana, was hosted this year by Zee Telugu’s Kutumbam and a cheering crowd witnessed the event in Kothagudem. Tune-in to watch your favourite television family pay their offerings to Mahakali Goddess on 29th July, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM only on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

As an offering to the Mother Goddess, women prepare rice cooked with milk and jaggery in a new brass or earthen pot adorned with neem leaves, turmeric, and lit a lamp on the top of the pot. Women carry the pots on their heads and make an offering of Bonam along with turmeric-vermilion, bangles and a saree to the Mother Goddess across Temples. Some tranced women dance with balancing pots (Bonam), to the rhythmic beats of drums in honour of the local Goddess. Every group of devotees offer a Thottelu (a small colorful, paper structure supported by sticks), as a mark of respect.

The excessive rains through the day only heightened the celebrations with the residents of Kothagudem. Hosted by the popular duo, Ravi and Srimukhi, the evening witnessed a number of entertaining acts – Bithiri Sathi, an Indian TV anchor, reporter and actor, performed a refreshing act with Gangavva, popular YouTuber. A heart-touching Durga act was performed by television actors, Naveena Yata, Shivani and Amar, that centred around fighting against evils.

Zee Telugu’s fiction artists seized the night with their smashing dance performances on popular songs. The hosts Ravi and Srimukhi gave the audience a special performance to carry home with them.

July 27, 2018
NBA writes to Kerala CM following FIR against Mathrubhumi News

MUMBAI: The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has come out in support of Malayalam news channel Mathrubhumi News that has been dragged into a controversy regarding a news item it aired on 7 June.

Recently, a case was registered against the deputy editor Venu Balakrishnan and the anchor of the show Super Prime Time for initiating a discussion regarding the torture of a young Muslim by the police and the ruckus in the state assembly following police atrocities.

The FIR was filed following a complaint filed by local leaders of DYFI, the youth wing of the ruling CPI (M), under Section 153 A of IPC.

NBA president Rajat Sharma shot off a letter to Kerala chief minister stating, “It is understood that the opening sentences of the anchor’s comment was taken out of context and a case foisted against him. While the NBA maintains that no individual or institution is above the law, it condemns any attempt to muzzle the media and causing any interference in the free functioning of news operations.”

NBA considers that police action against the anchor, based on the FIR is unacceptable and an attack on the freedom of the press. “We request you and the state administration to ensure that journalists and media persons are allowed to perform their duties in a free and fearless manner. Such a move also undermines the basic tenets of free speech enshrined in the constitution of India,” Sharma added.

He also added that the media provides a service that is essential for any democratic society and keeps the public informed and hence must be protected by the law enforcing agencies.

July 24, 2018
STAR Maa announces call for entries for a brand new reality show PelliChoopulu

MUMBAI: In continuation to give its viewers a unique and entertaining show, Star Maa the most viewed Telugu entertainment channel has announced the call for entry for its upcoming reality show PelliChoopulu. The show, an innovation in the Telugu market is all about an attempt to find a perfect match for one of the most eligible bachelors of Telugu Television Pradeep Machiraju.

The call for entry extends to all young women who feels that Pradeep is an eligible life partner and that they are the one that Pradeep is looking for. The call for entry promo launched on Star Maa shows Pradeep being asked about his marriage and how he has been escaping the question all these years. In his trademark candid way Pradeep remarks that now he is keen to settle down and wants to find the special someone. He goes to say that the medium of TV that has provided him the fame and growth in life is probably the best way for him to find his special lady. He invites single girls who feel they may be compatible with him to the show so they can have an opportunity to meet each other and discover what lies ahead.

July 20, 2018
Zee Telugu announces auditions for all new season of its legendary dance reality show, Aata Juniors

MUMBAI: Aata Juniors, one of Zee Telugu’s most sought-after reality shows is soon making a comeback to the channel and is looking for the final contestants via auditions! Presented in an exciting format, featuring renowned celebrities, and brimming with the best up-and-coming junior dance talent, Aata Juniors is all set to celebrate Zee Telugu’s commitment to providing the best platform for those who aspire to make their dreams come true. The search for the final contestants of Aata Juniors through auditions that will be held in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru on 21st and 22nd July 2018. The final audition is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on 29th July, where the finalists will be selected to battle it out with the rest of the participants to win the ultimate title of Zee Telugu’s Aata Junior.

The auditions schedule is as follows:

July 20, 2018
Sun Life enters Tamil market in BARC week 28

MUMBAI: Sun Life, the movie channel by Sun TV Network came as a new entrant this week after Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) released its ratings for week 28. ZEEL’s Bengali and Marathi channels Zee Bangla and Zee Marathi continue to rule their respective regions. Star is still ruling the south regions – Malayalam and Telugu through channels Asianet and Star Maa. There wasn’t much change in the hierarchy for Bhojpuri, Kannada and Tamil with Big Ganga, Colors Kannada and Sun TV retaining their top slots

Bangla

Zee Bangla continued to be placed in the numero uno spot in week 28 but saw a decrease in viewership from 290285 impressions (000s) as recorded last week to 276815 impressions (000s) this week. Star Jalsha too remained in the second slot with 269241 impressions (000s) followed by Jalsha Movies, Colors Bangla and Aakash Aath, who retained their third, fourth and fifth positions this week with 64568 impressions (000s), 55190 impressions (000s) and 47873 impressions (000s) respectively. This week, all channels in this market saw a decrease in the viewership as compared to last week.

Bhojpuri

This week Big Ganga managed to gain the highest number of viewership with 47476 impressions (000s), while Bhojpuri Cinema came second with 42089 impressions (000s). Bhojpuri Dhamaka Dishum and Mahuaa Plus retained their third and fifth slots with 5818 impressions (000s) and 1804 impressions (000s) respectively. News18 Bihar Jharkhand came back in the fourth position dethroning Oscar Movies Bhojpuri with 2391 impressions (000s).

Kannada

Kannada region remained unchanged this week as well. Colors Kannada retained its number one slot but underwent an increase in viewership from 389352 impressions (000s) as recorded last week to 414372 impressions (000s) impressions (000s) of this week. Zee Kannada and Star Suvarna retained their second and fifth positions with 331327 impressions (000s) and 156191 (000s) respectively. Udaya TV and Udaya Movies swapped their third and fourth positions this week with impressions 209998 impressions (000s) and 210375 impressions (000s) respectively.

Malayalam

Asianet, the Malayalam general entertainment channel of Star TV retained its first position this week as well with 299372 impressions (000s). Flowers TV moved to the second position with 87823 impressions (000s) pusing back Flowers TV to third position with 86495 impressions (000s). Mazhavil Manorama and Asianet Movies swapped their fourth and fifth positions this week with 77405 impressions (000s) and 85909 (000s) impressions respectively.

Marathi

This week, the Marathi market didn’t notice any change. Zee Marathi remained steadfast in the number one position with 276783 impressions (000s). Zee Talkies gained second position with 157497 impressions (000s) followed by Colors Marathi, Star Pravah and Zee Yuva in third, fourth and fifth positions with 136974 impressions (000s), 108315 impressions (000s) and 46851 impressions (000s) respectively. But this week most of the channels in this market saw a decrease in viewership.

Tamil

Star Vijay, Zee TV and KTV retained their second, third and fourth positions with 442056 impressions (000s), 431969 impressions (000s) and 294428 impressions (000s). Sun TV retained its top position and saw an increase in viewership from 890935 impressions (000s) as recorded last week to 984862 impressions (000s) as of this week. This week Adityha TV was dethroned from the fifth position and Sun Life, a film channel by Sun TV Network came as a new entrant with 70755 impressions (000s).

Telugu

Telugu region didn’t notice any change this week. Star Maa, Zee Telugu, ETV Telugu and Gemini TV retained their first, second, third and fourth positions with total viewership of 534453 impressions (000s), 473971 impressions (000s), 404724 impressions (000s) and 195384 impressions (000s) respectively. Gemini Movies also retained its fifth position with 195384 impressions (000s). But this week all the channels in this region saw an increase in their gross viewership.

July 19, 2018
Star Vijay launches new game show ‘Divided’

MUMBAI: Star Vijay, a Tamil general entertainment channel by Star TV, is all set to launch a game show named Divided on 21 July. This show will be hosted by Neeya Naana debate show fame, Gobinath and will be on air every weekend at 8 pm.

The quiz show tests knowledge and character of the contestants. There will be three contestants, who will come together to play as a team and they will have to answer unanimously within the given 100 seconds to one question asked by the host. Total number of questions will be 15.

A team can win up to Rs 50 lakh as prize money. The real thrill of the game begins when the prize money won by the contestants cannot be shared equally rather they have to share among themselves amicably.

Whether contestants can be ready to accept the lesser share for themselves and give away the larger share to others, is another challenge for these contestants.

July 18, 2018
Zee Telugu Announces World Television Premiere of Sai Pallavi and Naga Shaurya Starrer Kanam

MUMBAI: Weekend plans just got better with Zee Telugu’s horror World Television Premiere, Kanam, to your home screens on Sunday! From the Abhinetri-famed director A L Vijay, Kanam is a supernatural tale which blends elements of revenge and horror to give the audiences a spine-chilling experience. The film stars Sai Pallavi in a stunning performance with Naga Shaurya, along with Veronika Arora, RJ Balaji, and Nizhalgal Ravi in supporting roles.

Kanam is an unsettling story with a message told through exquisite visuals and gripping performances, and promises to leave you on the edge of your seat. Thrill yourselves with Kanam on 15th July at 6.00 PM, only on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

Kanam is the story of a newlywed couple—Krishna (Naga Shaurya) and Tulasi (Sai Pallavi), who are weighed down by a decision taken in the past. When Tulasi gets pregnant out of wedlock, she is forced to abort her child, unaware that this decision will soon take over her life. A strange event seems to reoccur, leading to the mysterious deaths of people close to the couple. A haunting memory soon takes a deadly turn, and Tulasi finds herself in the middle of a web of death, mystery, and suspicion. Tulasi soon realises the past has a way of catching up.

Kanam was one of A L Vijay’s most ambitious projects, with the aim of delivering a heartbreaking message on abortion through a horror film. Nirav Shah’s camerawork brings restrained beauty to the scenes while Sam C S’ haunting music perfectly sets the mood for this horror thriller.

July 18, 2018
Zee Telugu to enhance family ideals with Ninne Pelladatha, brand-new fiction show

MUMBAI: Providing the audiences with yet another entertaining and relatable fiction show, Zee Telugu launches Ninne Pelladatha, a show that highlights the bond humans share, regardless of being blood-related. Ninne Pelladatha revolves around a girl attempting to bring two separated families together, but ends up becoming the sole reason for their separation.

Tune-in to watch Ninne Pelladatha starting 23rd July, every weeknight at 7:00 PM, only on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

Arjun Prasad marries Bharathi and returns home where he learns of his sister’s (Brahmani) marriage with the planned groom being called off. Brahmani blames the fate of her marriage on the newlywed bride, Bharathi. She agrees to get married to someone else but challenges herself to never return home. As the narrative progresses, Vasantha, the wife of a railway mechanic, saves Arjun and Bharathi’s lives when they get stuck one night on the railway track, pertaining to the negligence of her drunk husband. A twist in the plot is seeded when Vasantha delivers a baby girl (Mrudula) and the husband plans to sell her for money. Arjun immediately decides to adopt the daughter when he finds out, and Vasantha, in exchange for saving their lives. Mrudula is brought up like a daughter, along with Manasi the daughter of Arjun and Bharathi.

As time progresses, Brahmani’s son Madhu grows up to become a rockstar in college and Manasi begins developing feelings for him. Mrudula sees this as an opportunity to patch both the families with Manasi and Madhu getting married. Being persistent, Mrudula writes songs for Madhu in Manasi’s name but Madhu eventually falls for the writer with the wonderful lyrics. With tables turning at this point, Ninne Pelladatha is sure to keep Zee Telugu’s viewers at the edge of their seats every weeknight, starting 23rd July 2018.

Commenting on the launch, a Zee Telugu spokesperson said, “At Zee Telugu, we tell stories of ordinary people in an extraordinary manner. With Ninne Pelladatha, we are certain of providing the right balance of drama and entertainment to the viewers. The theme of the show resonates with our refreshed brand image, Aarambham Okka Aduguthone, where Mrudula attempts to take that one small step that could change the lives of both the families involved.”

July 17, 2018
Zee Tamil’s Sembaruthi completes 200 episodes!

Leading Tamil General Entertainment Channel (GEC) – Zee Tamil has been at the forefront of quality content across genres that caters to the diverse entertainment needs of Tamil audiences across the world. The channel has announced the successful completion of 200 episodes of its popular fiction show – Sembaruthi. The show is aired on all 7 days of the week, from Sunday to Saturday at 9:00 PM only on Zee Tamil and Zee Tamil HD.

The plot of the show explores a distinct blend of the powerful mind-set and class-conflict between the two lead protagonists ‘Akhilandeshwari’, an enterprising woman with a strong sense of character, and ‘Parvathi’, a simple village girl who has her roots set in traditions. The story also highlights the contrasting personalities of Akhilandeshwari’s two sons – Aditya and Arun.

The show hit a high rating of 9.26 TVR closing in the 6th place as of Week 27’18 as per BARC ratings.

Currently, the show is expected to witness a major twist as Aditya begins to realise that he is falling in love with Parvathy much to the dismay of her family.

The role of Akhilandeshwari is portrayed by the beautiful Priya Raman, who is known for her phenomenal portrayal of diverse characters and strong screen presence, while new-comer Shabana plays the role of Parvathi who has struck a chord in the hearts of the audiences with her calm and soft nature. The role of Aaditya is played by the popular actor Karthik, alongside Kathir of Dance Jodi Dance fame, who plays the role of his brother.

July 13, 2018
Zee Telugu Announces World Television Premiere of Sai Pallavi and Naga Shaurya Starrer Kanam

MUMBAI: Weekend plans just got better with Zee Telugu’s horror World Television Premiere, Kanam, to your home screens on Sunday! From the Abhinetri-famed director A L Vijay, Kanam is a supernatural tale which blends elements of revenge and horror to give the audiences a spine-chilling experience. The film stars Sai Pallavi in a stunning performance with Naga Shaurya, along with Veronika Arora, RJ Balaji, and Nizhalgal Ravi in supporting roles.

Kanam is an unsettling story with a message told through exquisite visuals and gripping performances, and promises to leave you on the edge of your seat. Thrill yourselves with Kanam on 15th July at 6.00 PM, only on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

Kanam is the story of a newlywed couple—Krishna (Naga Shaurya) and Tulasi (Sai Pallavi), who are weighed down by a decision taken in the past. When Tulasi gets pregnant out of wedlock, she is forced to abort her child, unaware that this decision will soon take over her life. A strange event seems to reoccur, leading to the mysterious deaths of people close to the couple. A haunting memory soon takes a deadly turn, and Tulasi finds herself in the middle of a web of death, mystery, and suspicion. Tulasi soon realises the past has a way of catching up.

Kanam was one of A L Vijay’s most ambitious projects, with the aim of delivering a heartbreaking message on abortion through a horror film. Nirav Shah’s camerawork brings restrained beauty to the scenes while Sam C S’ haunting music perfectly sets the mood for this horror thriller.

July 13, 2018