ITV

Tag: Sony Entertainment Television

  • Epic leaves its mark at TAM TV ratings

    Epic leaves its mark at TAM TV ratings

    MUMBAI: After a long time, it is time to rejoice for MSM as week 48 of TAM TV ratings saw the network channels observing a growth in the viewership.

    Sab at number five witnessed 298,804 GVTs, up from 275,600 GVTs. Its chart leader Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continued getting eyeballs and reported 8,255 TVTs, up from 7,175 TVTs. Chidiya Ghar too added some numbers and registered 3,151 TVTs, up from 2,785 TVTs and Family Antakshari observed 1,536 TVTs, up from 1,190 TVTs.

    Despite a rise, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) stood at number six with 230,238 GVTs, up from 206,513 GVTs. The channel’s crime property Crime Patrol saw a significant rise in the viewership and recorded 2,386 TVTs, up from 1,521 TVTs, Adaalat too saw a hike in the ratings with 2,124 TVTs, up from 1,567 TVTs and Maharan Veer Pratap remained almost stable with 2,630 TVTs, up from 2,628 TVTs.

    Talking about the rest, the ranking order remained unchanged. Despite a drop, Star Plus continued to be the leader with 625,440 GVTs, down from 630,817 GVTs. The channel’s chart topper Diya Aur Baati Hum lost some numbers and registered 12,858 TVTs, down from 13,400 TVTs, Saathiya Saath too saw a drop and scored 8,170 TVTs, down from 8,763 TVTs and Nisha Aur Uske Cousins reported 4,865 TVTs, down from 4,904 TVTs.

    Colors stayed happy at number two with 466,969 GVTs, down from 481,802 GVTs. Sasural Simar Ka leads the chart with 6,512 TVTs, down from 7,260 TVTs followed by Udaan at 6,123 TVTs, down from 6,797 TVTs and Balika Vadhu delivered 4,692 TVTs, down from 4,804 TVTs.

    At number three, Zee TV was the gainer and scored 434,988 GVTs, up from 433,251 GVTs. Kumkum Bhagya tops the chart with 8,326 TVTs, up from 8,021 TVTs, Jodha Akbar at number two garnered 7,422 TVTs, up from 7,336 TVTs and Qubool Hai notched up and stood at 6,722 TVTs, up from 6,457 TVTs.

    Life OK remained at number four with 324,376 GVTs, down from 325,953 GVTs. Its new offering Pukar saw a decent start with 1,382 TVTs. Comedy Classes stood at 2,418 TVTs, up from 2,234 TVTs and Savdhan India scored 2,557 TVTs, up from 2,577 TVTs.

    On the other hand, Big Magic saw a dip in the viewership and recorded 61,809 GVTs, down from 68,667 GVTs. Sony Pal witnessed a rise in the ratings and observed 32,914 GVTs, up from 30,457 GVTs and Zindagi tracked 31,344 GVTs, up from 30,125 GVTs. The newest entrant, Epic observed a significant rise and noted 2,926 GVTs, up from 1,240 GVTs.

     

  • Sony observes a huge drop in week 46

    Sony observes a huge drop in week 46

    MUMBAI: It was a bad week for Sony Entertainment Television (SET), which saw a significant drop in its viewership. In the week 46 of TAM TV ratings, it recorded 189,679 GVTs, down from 245,413 GVTs.

    The shows that saw a massive drop were Crime Petrol which tracked 1,404 TVTs, down from 2,049 TVTs, the newly launched series Tum Eise Hi Rehana got 843 TVTs, down from 2,648 TVTs and Adaalat noted 1,456 TVTs, down from 1,760 TVTs.

    On the other hand, despite a drop, Colors continued its strong run at number two with 483,364 GVTs, down from 485,940 GVTs. The channel’s most famous reality show Bigg Boss 8 saw a fall in the viewership as it reported 4,947 TVTs, down from 5,073 TVTs, Comedy Nights with Kapil too lost a few eyeballs as it noted 6,094 TVTs, down from 6,379 TVTs and Uttaran stood at 2,686 TVTs, down from, 2,993 TVTs.

    Star Plus continued to be the number one with 657,629 GVTs, up from 609,924 GVTs. The channel’s chart topper Diya Aur Baati Hum climbed new heights as it witnessed 13,962 TVTs, up from 11,552 TVTs; its new series Everest scored 3,144 TVTs, up from 2,824 TVTs. The channel’s talk show Satyamev Jayate too saw a significant rise in the ratings and observed 3,375 TVTs, up from 2,180 TVTs.

    Zee TV ranked at number three with 418,880 GVTs, up from 393,540 GVTs. Jodha Akbar topped the chart with 7,649TVTs, down from 7,689 TVTs, Jamai Raja at number two scored 6,583 TVTs, up from 6,515 TVTs and at number three stood Kumkum Bhagya with 6,837 TVTs, up from 6,383 TVTs. The channel’s stint with comedy Neeli Chhatri Wale also worked wonders for it as it witnessed 4,153 TVTs, up from 3,388 TVTs.

    Meanwhile, Life OK remained stable at number four with 312,543 GVTs, up from 305,403 GVTs. The shows that grew were Comedy Classes, which registered 2,132 TVTs, up from 2,079 TVTs, Ajeeb Daastan Hai with 1,501 TVTs, up from 1,323 TVTs and Laut Aao Trisha which stood at 1,060 TVTs, up from 909 TVTs.

    Sab retained its position at number five with 295,904 GVTs, up from 284,515 GVTs. Its chart leader Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah reported 7,120 TVTs, up from 6,076 TVTs, Badi Door se Aaye Hai noted 2,474 TVTs, up from 2,121 TVTs and Gutar Goon scored 1,015 TVTs, up from 907 TVTs.

    Big Magic observed a drop in the viewership and noted 61,220 GVTs, down from 68,547 GVTs. On the other hand, Sony Pal witnessed a rise and recorded 32,126 GVTs, up from 30,710 GVTs and Zindagi lost a few numbers and scored 29,324 GVTs, down from 31,475 GVTs.

     

     

  • SET explores human relationships with ‘Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar’

    SET explores human relationships with ‘Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar’

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is all set to present yet another modern and mature take on love and marriage with the launch of its new series – Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar.
    Exploring the intricacies of human relationships, it features Ronit Roy and Pallavi Kulkarni Nerurkar in lead roles. Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the show aims at reinstilling faith in the institution of marriage.

    Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar is the story of a couple, Nachiket Khanna (Neil) and Ragini Patel, who are driven apart, ironically because of the intense love they shared. Neil, a doctor and Ragini, a nurse have four kids together but their marriage breaks due to a misunderstanding. Post the divorce, Neil moves to America with two of their kids and Ragini stays back in India with two kids.

    Over a period of time, staying away from each other has made Neil an indifferent man, whereas Ragini is still trying to run away from the ghosts of her past relationship. They are constantly reminded of their broken marriage because of the children who are a sign of their past love for each other. However, fate has different plans sketched out for them and their children become the pivotal reason for them to start a new chapter in life. The story is now taken forward by the children, who attempt to bring together their separated parents and rediscover love after 15 years.

    Speaking about the show, SET chief creative director Ajay Bhalwankar said: “It is always a pleasure to work with Balaji Telefilms as its concepts are unique, innovative and extremely relatable. Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar is bound to appeal to all our viewers with its engaging storyline and creative content. We are sure the audience will appreciate this unique take on love. Sony has been a pioneer in presenting mature love stories like Bade Acche Lagte Hain which have been immensely appreciated by the audience and Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar is another such show.”

    Balaji Telefilms producer Ekta Kapoor said: “We at Balaji are really excited about our latest offering which explores the intricacies of human relationship. Through this show we are attempting to bring alive a unique love story between an estranged husband and wife. I am extremely delighted to extend our relationship with SET and I am sure the series will create magic on Indian television.”  

     The show not only marks Roy’s return to daily soap after three years but also Kulkarni’s comeback to television after seven years. The other cast members include Darshan Pandya, Avinash Mukherjee, Induben Mehta, Kirti Sualy, Jyoti Joshi, Falguni Desai, Aarav Patel, Rhea Sharma, Rohan Shah and Shilpa among others.

    According to SET SVP head – marketing Gaurav Seth it is the biggest fiction show for the channel, not only in terms of casting but also with the storyline.

    When asked the reason behind putting the show at 10.30 pm, Seth replied: “Our previous show Bade Ache Lagte Hai had done wonders for us at this slot. Moreover, as per the research, compared to other slots, a lot of audiences are available especially in the bigger towns.” Also, with 10 pm airing Maharana Veer Pratap which is doing decently well for Sony, it wants to create a strong 10 – 11 pm band with the new offering.

    On the marketing front, the channel is aggressively promoting the new offering on all the platforms. According to Seth, at every platform the treatment is very different but the main highlight is the chemistry between the lead couples. “It is not a traditional but a classical love story,” adds Seth.

    The promotions are designed and customised depending on the medium. On digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter, it has created a special motion video designed exclusively for the digital audiences. Moreover, there are emotion posters and apps running on the family.

    On radio, being the audio medium, the channel has tried to capture on the thoughts of the two individuals. On the advertisers front, the call to have brands on-board will be taken very soon.

    The series starts from 18 November and will air every Monday-Thursday at 10.30 pm.

     

  • Sony gets on-board White Rivers Digital for BCL

    Sony gets on-board White Rivers Digital for BCL

    MUMBAI: What happens when reality television meets the passion of the nation, cricket? Giving viewers the combination of both, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) a few weeks back had announced its first ever sports reality show – Box Cricket League (BCL).

    Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the format is conceptualised by Marinating films’ Sunny Arora and Anand Mishra. They are also the co-owners of the show.

    As the name suggests, BCL features India’s top 150 TV celebrities divided in eight different city teams.

    Moreover, in order to generate the necessary buzz around the whole league, it has assigned the task to White Rivers Digital, a digital company which has established itself in the entertainment and lifestyle space. Via social media, it will help the audience get updated constantly and replicate the locker room drama on digital platforms innovatively.

    White Rivers Digital CEO Shrenik Gandhi believes that digital media is a great tool to connect with the viewers real time. “We are thrilled to curate the digital journey for India’s biggest sports realty show. It is an exciting challenge and great opportunity in itself. Digital Media is a great tool to connect with the viewers real time and we look forward to some great action & drama on field, off field and most importantly, online.’’

    Arora who is known for his unique ways of marketing and innovative ideas feels that BCL is a unique concept that will garner a lot of public attention and to increase their reach it is very important to strengthen their online presence.

    “BCL is a one of its kind idea that will give the audience a sneak peak of their favourite TV celebrities battling out the game of cricket in a Box. With White Rivers being our digital agency on board, we hope to build a strong digital foundation. With their expertise we hope to enhance engagement and brand experience for consumers. The team has shown some great ideas that will mobilise the online audience. We hope we can spread the BCL fire into the digital world as well,’’ he said.

     

  • All GECs gain in week 44 of TAM TV ratings

    All GECs gain in week 44 of TAM TV ratings

    MUMBAI: In the week 44 of TAM TV ratings, Sony Entertainment Television’s (SET) sister channel, Sab, has retained its fourth position on the ratings chart. It saw a significant growth and delivered 306985 GVTs, up from 287,091  GVTs in the previous week.
     

    The channel’s offerings like Balveer and Chidiya Ghar have witnessed a significant growth in the viewership. They recorded 2300 TVTs, up from 1934 TVTs and 2127 TVTs, up from 1859 TVTs. On the other hand, its chart topper Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has seen a huge rise in the ratings and noted 6317 TVTs, up from 4,966 TVTs.

     
    All the other general entertainment channels (GECs) witnessed a growth in the ratings as well. Thus, Star Plus continues to lead the pack with 655032 GVTs, up from 594,825 GVTs. Its fiction offering – Diya Aur Baati Hum continued to rule the chart with a huge leap gaining 10798 TVTs up from 8,819 TVTs, Saathiya Saath ranks number two with 594,825 TVTs, up from 6,895 TVTs, and at number three stood Ye Hai Mohababtein which got 8908 TVTs, up from 6,732 TVTs.

     
    Colors continued to occupy second position with 456890 GVTs, up from 432,194 GVTs. In the week 44, Sasural Simar Ka ranked number one with 6447 TVTs, up from 5695 TVTs. Udann came second with 6021 TVTs, up from 5002 TVTs, Comedy Nights with Kapil scored 5863 TVTs, down from 6,393 TVTs and Balika Vadhu reported 4818 TVTs, up from 4,426 TVTs.

     
    Zee TV at number three observed 404572  GVTs, up from 393,512 GVTs. The channel’s historic property Jodha Akbar garnered 8234 GVTs scoring high from 6,667 TVTs, Kumkum Bhagya recorded 7080 TVTs, up from 6,338 TVTs, and Jamai Raja observed 6744 TVTs, up from 5528 TVTs.

     
    Life OK moved to number five with 305165  GVTs, up from 256,529 GVTs. Savdhan India noted 2189 GVTs, up from 1,992 TVTs, Mahadev scored 2050 TVTs, up from 1,548 TVTs and Dare to Dance jumped up with 1852 TVTs, up from 1244 TVTs.

     

     SET garnered 285159 GVTs, up from 247,590 GVTs. CID topped with 3218 TVTs, KBC got 3040 TVTs, up from 2780 TVTs. Its fiction show Maharana Veer Pratap got 2835 TVTs, up from 2322 TVTs.

     
    Big Magic registered 56061 GVTs, down from 59,042 GVTs. Zindagi grew well with 31302 GVTs, up from 26,614 GVTs and Sony Pal stood at 31405  GVTs, up from 26,215 GVTs.

     

  • Sab dislodges Life OK from No 4 position

    Sab dislodges Life OK from No 4 position

    MUMBAI: In the week 43 of TAM TV ratings, Sony Entertainment Television’s (SET) sister channel – Sab has been served with a pleasant surprise. The channel has surpassed Life OK and taken the number four spot at the ratings chart. It saw a significant growth and delivered 287,091 GVTs, up from 276,437 GVTs in the previous week.

     

    The channel’s offerings like Chandrakant CSB and Chintu aur Pintu have witnessed a significant growth in the viewership. It recorded 1,041 TVTs, up from 972 TVTs and 1,137 TVTs, up from 1,089 TVTs. On the other hand, its chart topper Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has seen a drop in the ratings and noted 4,966 TVTs, down from 6,047 TVTs.

     

    Apart from SET, all the other general entertainment channels (GECs) witnessed a drop in the ratings, thanks to the festival of lights – Diwali. Thus, Star Plus continues to lead the pack with 594,825 GVTs, down from 600,523 GVTs. Its fiction offering – Diya Aur Baati Hum continues to rule the chart with 8,819 TVTs, down from 9,075 TVTs, Saathiya Saath ranks number two with 6,895 TVTs, down from 8,105 TVTs and at number three stood Ye Hai Mohababtein which also saw a drop and registered 6,732 TVTs, down from 7,498 TVTs. Its awards property – Star Box Office Awards rated 4.5 million TVTs.

     

    Despite a drop, Colors continues to occupy second position with 432,194 GVTs, down from 436,422 GVTs. In the week 43, Comedy Nights with Kapil ranked number one with 6,393 TVTs, down from 6,863 TVTs. In the fiction space, Sasural Simar Ka scored 5,695 TVTs, down from 6,735 TVTs, Udaan noticed 5,002 TVTs, down from 6,006 TVTs and Balika Vadhu reported 4,426 TVTs, down from 4,809 TVTs. Indian Telly Awards garnered 3.6 million TVTs.

     

    Zee TV at number three observed 393,512 GVTs, down from 418,103 GVTs. The channel’s historic property – Jodha Akbar garnered 6,667 TVTs, down from 8,045 TVTs, Kumkum Bhagya recorded 6,338 TVTs, down from 7,351 TVTs and Jamai Raja observed 5,528 TVTs, down from 6,553 TVTs.

     

    Life OK moved to number five with 256,529 GVTs, down from 301,763 GVTs. Almost all its properties have dropped eyeballs. Thus, Savdhan India noted 1,992 TVTs, down from 2,380 TVTs, Mahadev scored 1,548 TVTs, down from 1,815 TVTs and the channel’s stint with comedy titled Comedy Classes registered 1,509 TVTs, down from 1,827 TVTs.

     

    Along with its sister channel, SET was also the gainer this week with 247,590 GVTs, up from 228,235 GVTs. Thanks to its long-lasting crime property – CID that garnered 3,138 TVTs, up from 2,805 TVTs and its fiction show – Hum Hain Na that witnessed 1,359 TVTs, up from 1,263 TVTs.

     

    Big Magic registered 59,042 GVTs, up from 54,737 GVTs. Zindagi saw some eyeballs this week and scored 26,614 GVTs, up from 21,028 GVTs and Sony Pal stood at 26,215 GVTs, up from 25,326 GVTs. 

  • SET: The only loser in week 42

    SET: The only loser in week 42

    MUMBAI: It was a no different week for the Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs), according to the week 42 of TAM TV ratings, as all the channels maintained their ranking order. 

     

    On the viewership front, except for Sony Entertainment Television (SET), rest all the channels have observed a rise.

     

    Star Plus continues to lead the chart with 600,523 GVTs, up from 598,185 GVTs. The channel’s talk show, which deals with social issues and hosted by Aamir Khan, Satyamev Jayate, lost few numbers and registered 2,444 TVTs, down from 4,916 TVTs.

     

    Its fiction offerings have done well. The chart leader series Diya Aur Baati Hum seems to earn new numbers every week as it scored 9,075 TVTS, up from 8,455 TVTs, Saathiya Saath scored 8,105 TVTs, up from 7,879 TVTs and Ye Hai Mohabatein recorded 7,498 TVTs, up from 7,353 TVTs.
     

    At number two stood Colors with 436,422 GVTs, up from 432,481 GVTs. Sasural Simar Ka continues to be number one in the fiction space with 6,375 GVTs, up from 5,771 TVTs. At number two is Udaan which saw a hike in the viewership as it reported 6,006 TVTs, up from 5,480 TVTs and Balika Vadhu ranks third with 4,809 TVTs, up from 4,412 TVTs.
     

    Zee at number three garnered 418,103 GVTs, up from 412,888 GVTs. Jodha Akbar continues to be the number one show for the channel as it scored 8,075 TVTS, up from 7,732 TVTs. Kumkum Bhagya seems to attract good amount of eyeballs as it reported 7,351 TVTs, up from 6,953 TVTs and Jamai Raja stood at 6,553 TVTs, up from 6,232 TVTs.
     

    Life OK stays happy at number four with 301,763 GVTs, up from 292,327 GVTs. The channel’s crime property Savdhan India reported 2,380 TVTS, up from 2,247 TVTs. The much hyped Ekta Kapoor’s series with Sonali Bendre as the lead – Ajeeb Daastan Hai Ye observed a fall in the viewership and stood at 1,201 TVTs, down from 1,223 TVTs.
     

    At number five stands Sab with 276,437 GVTs, up 272,524 GVTs. The channel’s top leader Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah scored 6,047 TVTs, up from 5,753 TVTs and Chidiya Ghar lost numbers and registered 2,115 TVTs, down from 2,383 TVTs.

    SET shed numbers and noticed 228,235 GVTs, down from 244,573 GVTs. Its crime property CID continues to be the number one and witnessed 2,805 TVTs, up from 1,307 TVTs. Maharana Pratap ranks second with 2,698 TVTs, up from 2,642 TVTs. 
     

    Sony Pal, the second GEC from Multi Screen Media (MSM) plate, observed a marginal rise in the ratings and delivered 25,326 GVTs, up from 23,814 GVTs. On the other hand Zindagi too witnessed a hike in the ratings and reported 21,028 GVTs, up from 19,978 GVTs and Big Magic recorded 55 million GVTs, down from 57 million GVTs, it recorded in week 41 of TAM TV ratings.

  • A ‘Happy New Year’, this Diwali

    A ‘Happy New Year’, this Diwali

    The festival of lights, Diwali is here, signifying the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.

    And as people gather to celebrate, the television channels have a special treat for viewers this Diwali.  

    Talking about the big bunch, Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs), Colors will run Diwali tracks across all its shows. The most popular characters Gutthi and Palak from Comedy Nights with Kapil will enter the Bigg Boss house and engage the contestants via a task. The winners/good performers will receive the Diwali gifts that have been sent by their family members. After Gutthi and Palak leave, the contestants will participate in a special fashion show where they will showcase their best ethnic outfits.

    In Beintehaa, Zain and Aaliya light up diyas to celebrate their first Diwali together and light crackers. Suraiyya gifts jewellery to her bahus. In Balika Vadhu, Diwali puja will be conducted in Udaipur and Jaitsar homes.

    One of the channel’s longest running show, Uttaran will have its own twists and tales. There will be a highpoint wherein Rani while bursting crackers finds herself trapped inside a burning house. When the fire is doused, they realise that Rani is missing. Overall, during Diwali, Meethi finds herself worried about Rani while trying her best to safeguard her from being sent to the brothel again.

    In Udann, Chakor ensures that a tempo of sweets and crackers comes to the village so that while she is celebrating Diwali in Lucknow, her parents and other people from her village will celebrate Diwali for the first time.

    With the festive season around the corner, Zee TV presents audiences with ‘Saat Din Khushiyon Ke’ – a Diwali special that will air celebratory content across all its primetime shows, giving viewers a chance to celebrate the festival of lights with their favourite actors.

     
    While Shah Rukh Khan celebrates Diwali on a special episode of Dil Se Naachein Indiawaale, a double dhamaka awaits one on Neele Chhatri Waale as Bhagwan Das runs into trouble with a jewellery shop on buying gold for his wife.

    In the popular show Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, Raj and Avni re-unite and marry each other after a lot of trials and tribulations in a secret ceremony, away from home in Umargaon. On Jamai Raja, watch DD leave no stone unturned in making Sid and Roshni’s life miserable. She gives them the task of cleaning the entire house in preparation for Diwali, as they haven’t been able to pay the rent.

    Not to forget the digital side to it. While some will spend quality time with their families this Diwali, for those unable to visit their families back home, Zee gives them an opportunity to wish them on national television!

    Viewers can send in their wishes and messages from 23 – 25 October, through Facebook and Twitter and Zeetv.com/Diwali and win a chance to have their messages displayed on television.

    Not to be left behind, the sister channel of Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Sab, will telecast ‘Sab Ki Diwali Party’ on 22 October at 9pm. It will see a fantabulous congregation of television artists that celebrate the festival of lights and harmony with great festivity. Bundled with power-packed performances by leading television actors from different verticals, it will witness the Sab family coming together with more actors to create a magnanimous event replete with dance performances and melodious music.

    The show is woven into a story where the Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai star-cast invites various celebrities from Sab family and others such as Mouni Roy, Kritika Sengar, child celeb – Akshat and more to usher the Diwali festival together to enhance the joy of this momentous and auspicious occasion.

    Moreover, Gokuldham society members (from Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah), are all set to celebrate the festival of lights amongst themselves. The residents get a unique idea to invite the king of Bollywood romance Shah Rukh Khan who comes to promote his upcoming movie – Happy New Year which hits the screens on 24 October.

     

    In celebrating this festival with audiences Big Magic presents the Big Diwali Special, a one hour festive spike on 20 October from 8-9 pm. The programming offering will see artists from across the shows of Ajab Gajab Ghar Jamai, Mahisagar and Raavi come together on the comic caper Uff! Yeh Nadaniyaan ensuring audiences have their dose of laughter during the celebrations.

    Adding spark this the festive, popular names like Upasana Singh, Himani Shivpuri, Sumit Vats and Vandana Pathak will be seen rejoicing the Diwali Mohatsav with the Nadaan Family. This extravagant celebration will provide an assortment of fun, entertainment, humour and laughter for all the loyal patrons.

    Reliance Broadcast Network COO Lavneesh Gupta believes that Diwali being the most celebrated festival in India and especially across the HSMs becomes an obvious and natural opportunity for us to connect with audiences and marketers.

    “Our hour-long Diwali special, is crafted to ensure entertainment sensibilities of our audiences are met, will deliver the perfect blend of entertainment riding on the pegs of humuor and the festive spirit. Adequately marketed, the special is another offering that strengthens connect. ”

    If you thought GECs were the only ones in the fray, think again. Movie channels too have added their own flavour of entertainment.

    &Pictures looks to give viewers something to dance about with the world television premiere of Mad About Dance on 23 October at 8 pm. This is part of the ‘Mad About Pictures’ Film Festival property that the channel is running.

    Zeel deputy business head, Hindi movie channels Ruchir Tiwari states: “We are pleased to premiere the World Television Premier of Mad About Dance, a film that is a complete entertainment package for all and an inspirational film for the youth. With a single-minded thought of bringing families together this Diwali, the film will make it more festive for our viewers.”

    Movies OK will reward its viewers with ‘Karo Diwali Share’ contest wherein audience has an opportunity to win Snapdeal e-vouchers worth Rs 10,000 and buy exciting Diwali gifts daily. Similarly, Star Gold too offers a Diwali Maha bonus, giving viewers a chance to daily win exciting prizes like home theatre, microwave, dishwasher, split A/C, refrigerator, bike and more. The grand prize to be won on the 24 October will be a car.

    Music channels are not shying away to celebrate the festival of lights in a big way. Vh1 brings to you the biggest contemporary chartbusters with a hand-picked compilation of a golden playlist. The playlist will feature the best international videos to cherish the festive season on 23 and 24 October from 8 am onwards.

    9X Jhakaas, the Marathi music channel, is celebrating Diwali in a unique way, with the kids from The Vatsalya Foundation orphanage. To give kids a Dream Diwali experience, it has partnered with actor and comedian, Siddharth Jadhav and Camlin India. As part of this initiative, Jadhav will spend an entire day with the kids spreading smiles with food, games and also some by gifting them super cool merchandise from Camlin India.

     

    Moreover, it will capture these moments and air them on the Channel as a special treat for the viewers, encouraging them to do their bit for the society. These episodes will air on 23 and 24 October at 11 am.

    Speaking of this CSR Initiative 9X Jhakaas vice president Rohan Rane says, “This Diwali we have decided to share this festival with the less fortunate kids through our initiative Jhakaas Dream Diwali. Through this initiative the channel is partnering with NGO’s to bring cheer and joy to the kids and fulfil their basic requirements or educational needs. We are grateful to our partner Camlin India and Siddharth Jadhav who have made this effort successful.”

    9XE will have a Diwali special with Shah Rukh Khan in a special interview with beat boxer Vineeth Vincent.

    9X Media chief programming officer Amar Tidke says, “Right from the Channel identity, which has a cool Rangoli treatment, to a Phataka Playlist specially curated to spread the festive spirit, the channel is enhancing the music viewing experience. Our popular animated characters – Bade, Chote, Bheegi Billi and Betel Nuts are celebrating Diwali in their own style by pulling a fast one on each other. Another of our popular features – ‘Do Pal Ka Interval’ a Bollywood parody, is based on the biggest box-office Diwali release.”

    The channels catering to the younger audiences doing their bit; Cartoon Network and Pogo bring the team of Happy New Year to the small screen.

    Celebrations full of masti had already taken off on 18 October with the entire cast who had featured with Oggy and the Cockroaches in a special titled Oggy aur Indiawaale. It was based on the theme of the movie – life gives every loser a chance to be a winner.

    Happy New Year’s Indiawaale also teamed up with India’s biggest superhero Chhota Bheem in a special titled Bade Dilwaale Bheem aur Indiawaale that saw its premiere on 19 October at 12 pm on Pogo. It featured what draws similarities between Indiawaale and Dholakpurwaale and bring out how different people can come together to achieve a common goal for a good cause.

    Pogo is also adding sparkles to Diwali with a line-up of movies and specials such as The Adventures of Sinbad, Chhota Bheem ki Baazi, Bheem Tussi Great Ho! and many more from 20 to 26 October at 12 pm.

    Moreover, it is gifting kids a chance to be a superhero with Chhota Bheem in his next movie! All kids have to do is participate in the ‘Be A Superstar’ contest from 20 to 26 October at 12 pm and answer the contest questions. There are many more exciting gifts to be won every 15 minutes.

    Last but not the least, Nick has something special for kids on Diwali with the release of the movie ‘Motu Patlu Kungfu Kings’ at 12:15 pm on 23 October.

     

  • From IPL to BCL, Sony continues its love for cricket

    From IPL to BCL, Sony continues its love for cricket

    MUMBAI: Cricket is nothing less than a religion in India and when mixed with a high-dose of glamour and drama, it serves as the ultimate form of entertainment.
    So, what happens when reality television meets the passion of the nation, cricket?

    Giving viewers the combination of both, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is all set to launch India’s first ever sports reality show – Box Cricket League (BCL).

    However, this is not the first time that Sony is associating itself with cricket. Who can forget the launch of Indian Premier League (IPL), which saw entertainment and cricket getting hitched? However, the host Mandira Bedi’s noodle-strapped sari blouses made more headlines than the pre and post match show.

    “Everyone criticised us and we did not receive good responses for the same. I was there at Sony at that point in time and today after 14 years, we are back at it but with a twist,” says SET SVP and business head Nachiket Pantvaidya.

    For Pantvaidya, the show conceptualised by Marinating Films and produced by Balaji Telefilms, is like coming back full circle. When he heard the concept, he immediately locked it. “Cricket toh sirf bahana hai (cricket is just an excuse), there is a lot more than just cricket,” he says.

    BCL consists of eight teams, comprising of 120 popular television celebrities, who will compete against each other, playing a total of 19 matches of 14 overs each. The teams would be divided into two groups, A and B.

    For Ekta Kapoor, who will make her debut in reality with BCL, sports has alienated itself from women, so with this she wants to get all the bahus and girls get into the game and play with the boys. “I have never touched reality shows. So today I am doing a combination of both. Kudiyon ka zamana hai, cricket toh sirf ek bahana hai,” laughs Kapoor.

    Marinating Films director Sunny Arora aims to deliver a very good product. In the month of April, it had conducted a trial season with more than 100 actors and received a good response.  He believes that cricket is seen for entertainment and played for entertainment.

    “We had organised a trial to understand how the format will work. Men and women playing together, what are the flaws…so now we have come up with a concrete plan. We have just increased the scale,” says Arora.

    He further believes that the major reason why it worked in the trial was because of the presence of female players.

    Matches will commence with a face-off between the two playing teams, where they will perform signature moves on their team anthem. Giving the mundane coin toss a skip, BCL has introduced a ‘filmy toss’ with options like ‘Jai or Veeru’, ‘Basanti or Dhanno’. Upping the glam quotient will be two BCL titlis, Noorin Shah and Vrushika Mehta, who will perform acts during time outs and the ball change.

    Making the game more entertaining, viewers will also get to see behind the scenes action, locker room gossips and some extremely creative awards like Gentleman of the Match and Most Stylish Player of the Match amongst others.

    While the spirit of cricket remains intact, the introduction of new twists in the game is sure to keep the audience entertained. To step up the excitement, during the sixth and tenth overs, the batting captain will challenge the bowling captain to hit a certain number of runs in a single over with a particular bowler.

    If they manage to hit the number of runs they have challenged them for, then they earn double the runs. If not, they will lose the number of runs they challenged the bowling team. The seventh over will also see a ball change procedure where the players can strategise their next game plan.

    Balaji Telefilms group CEO Sameer Nair shares the genesis behind the entire concept of the show. “When Ekta first heard about it was through a friend of her who owns a team and Marinating Films, she wanted to buy a team with the marinating team boys. Then she thought, why to buy a team when we can invest in the league.”

    Balaji Telefilms has a joint venture with Marinating Films and have invested in the company. “Cricket is India’s most popular sport. Daily soaps are most popular form of television entertainment and the marriage of these two promises to be quite electric and exciting,” believes Nair.

    The shoot for the series will start from 20 November and will take place in Filmcity, Reliance Studios.

    So how does one qualify to be a BCL player? “Out of 11, nine have to be actors. How do you qualify as an actor? There is a bible to it. For example, depending on the number of shows he/she has done. And if one is a non-actor, he/she has to be either a director or a producer. The selection is done by the individual team captains and the owners. They should have experience,” answers Arora.

    Apart from the formal announcement, the channel has not started any marketing activities yet. According to SET SVP marketing head Gaurav Seth, eight teams have created their own anthems and he plans to pitch it in a different way. “The series is six weeks away. We have some interesting ideas in our heads and will soon execute them when the right time comes. In this country, you can never be short of celebrities. Fans will come to see the fights, victories, high and low moments.”

    Digital will be a special focus for Seth considering the amount of fan clubs each of the celebs own on the digital platforms. “One star will tweet, others will pick it up. There will be war, fights but at the end it’s all about entertaining viewers,” he says.

    Initially the project was pitched to Sony Six, but Sony realised the power of the concept and thought it will be apt for a GEC channel. “The moment we came to know it would be aired on a GEC channel, we had to change the entire look and feel to ensure that it’s up to the mark,” states Arora.

    The promos of the series will go on-air from end November. Though the date is not finalised yet, it will run for four weeks and be a weekly property.

     

  • Colors retains its number two position

    Colors retains its number two position

    MUMBAI: The week 41 of TAM TV ratings witnessed no change in the ranking order. On the viewership front, Star Plus, Zee TV, Sab and Sony Entertainment Television (SET) observed a rise whereas Life OK lost a few numbers. Colors retained its viewership.

     
    Star Plus continues to lead the chart with 598,185 GVTs, up from 549,108 GVTs. The channel’s talk show, which deals with social issues and hosted by Aamir Khan, Satyamev Jayate, opened well with 4,916 TVTs. Its fiction offerings have done well as well. The chart leader series Diya Aur Baati Hum seems to earn new numbers every week as it scored 8,455 TVTs, up from 7,780 TVTs, Saathiya Saath ranks number two with 7,879 TVTs, up from 7,136 TVTs and Ye Hai Mohababtein at number three recorded 7,353 TVTs, up from 6,454 TVTs.

    At number two stood Colors, which stayed flat with 432,481 GVTs, with a marginal fall from from 433,419 GVTs. Sasural Simar Ka continues to be number one with 5,771 TVTs, down from 5,874 TVTs. At number two Udaan saw a hike in the viewership as it reported 5,480 TVTs, up from 5,121 TVTs and Meri Ashiqui ranks third with 4,835 TVTs, up from 3,622 TVTs.

    Zee at number three scored 412,888 GVTs, up from 401,002 GVTs. Jodha Akbar continues to be the number one show for the channel as it scored 7,732 TVTs, up from 7,217 TVTs. Kumkum Bhagya seems to attract good amount of eyeballs as it reported 6,953 TVTs, up from 6,546 TVTs and Jamai Raja stood at 6,232 TVTs, up from 5,977 TVTs.

    Life OK stays happy at number four with 292,327 GVTs, down from 299,054 GVTs. The channel’s stint with comedy – Comedy Classes – worked reasonably well as it saw a decent opening of 2,040 TVTs. The much hyped Ekta Kapoor’s series with Sonali Bendre as the lead – Ajeeb Daastan Hai Ye opened at 1,223 TVTs.

    At number five stands Sab with 272,524 GVTs, up from 253,925 GVTs. The channel’s top leader Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah observed 5,753 TVTs, up from 5,108 TVTs and Chidiya Ghar registered 2,383 TVTs, up from 2,048 TVTs.

     
    Sony at number six reported 244,573 GVTs, up from 234,031 GVTs. Its crime property – Adaalat observed a significant rise in the viewership as it noted 3,207 TVTs, up from 803 TVTs. Maharan Veer Pratap reported 2,642 TVTs, up from 2,075 TVTs and KBC tracked 3,571 TVTs, up from 2,545 TVTs.

    Sony Pal, second GEC from Multi Screen Media (MSM) plate, observed a marginal rise in the ratings and delivered 23,814 GVTs, up from 22,904 GVTs. On the other hand Zindagi lost some numbers and noted 19,978 GVTs, down from 20,405 GVTs.