GECs
Karnataka CM’s intervention in Kannada filmdom issue
BANGALORE: The Karnataka chief minister has requested the Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF) to refrain from defying the seven-week moratorium on the release of non-Kannada films, till 18 October. KFEF president Odugouder told Indiantelevision.com that the CM had asked deputy CM Sidharamaiah to look into the matter.
Commending on the recent attacks on the theaters in Bangalore he said, “The CM has let them off once, but if they repeat this I don’t think they would be condoned. Only muscle power will not work in a democracy, we are hopeful for solution that will be agreeable to all.”
Cinema Exhibitors expressed solidarity with almost 800 of the 1100 theaters in Karnataka participating In the state-wide one day theater strike protesting the recent attacks on theatres which screened non-Kannada films.
In the meantime, a Telugu group has decried the happenings in Kannada filmdom, saying that though more than 35 per cent of the state’s population was Telugu-speaking, their views were not being considered in the matter.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
