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South cinestar Karthi captures the stories of WWE ‘Heroes & Villains’ and ‘Strength & Stunts’ in the latest Sony Sports Network films
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster of WWE in India, has launched two blockbuster films featuring WWE fan and South cine superstar Karthi, further strengthening its commitment to customized and locally curated content around WWE in the South markets. The actor has delivered his own ode to WWE’s unique 100% pure sports entertainment by portraying “Heroes and Villains,” who complement each other along with their extraordinary “Strength and Stunts”.
WWE has been embraced by the fans with open arms, consistently delivering high viewership and fostering an ever-growing fandom in the South market. Sony Sports Network remains committed to offering more than just WWE broadcast, and these films are an addition to their efforts in keeping the fans closer to their favourite WWE Superstars and all the mind-blowing action they bring week after week.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul said, “WWE has a strong fanbase in South India and the region contributes to 41% of its reach in the country. As the home of WWE in India, we are thrilled to collaborate with Karthi and continue our efforts to narrate extraordinary stories in Tamil & Telugu that resonate with the audience. These films revisit the appeal of WWE that is driven by compelling characters along with high-octane stunts and we remain committed to bringing the best of pure sports entertainment to our viewers.”
Karthi said, “Portraying the roles of WWE’s Heroes and Villains was definitely a memorable experience for me and it was exhilarating to watch them in action. WWE has a huge following in India, especially in the South market, and as a fan myself, I am thrilled to be collaborating with Sony Sports Network and WWE”
Having assumed the roles of both heroes and villains in Indian cinema previously, Karthi perfectly blends into the characters and translates the power of WWE’s protagonists as well as antagonists. With his sheer passion and immaculate role play, Karthi has brought to life Sony Sports Network’s
campaign for the WWE dedicated fanbase in the South market. The creative concept and the direction of the films was executed inhouse by Sony Sports Network.
Film: Heroes and Villains
Karthi leads us through the stories of WWE’s heroes and villains. WWE is a destination where different people with various personalities, styles, and attitudes come together, and aim to reach their ultimate goal. The film shows that heroes and villains co-exist to make WWE the greatest in the world.
WWE Extraordinary Heroes & Villains ft. Karthi | Sony Sports Network (Tamil)
WWE Heroes and Villains ft. Karthi (Telugu) | Sony Sports Network (Telugu)
Film: Strengths & Stunts
This film, featuring Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, showcases incredible feats inside the WWE ring. The film captures high-class action, drama, and awe-inspiring displays of strength. Owens, Zayn, and Karthi express gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, inspiring WWE Superstars to provide thrilling entertainment.
Strength & Stunts ft. Karthi, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn | WWE | Sony Sports Network (Tamil) WWE Strength and Stunts ft. Karthi (Telugu) | Sony Sports Network (Telugu)
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
