GECs
Zee MGM to be re-christened Zee Movie Zone
MUMBAI: And that is the official line….
Whether Zee group is contemplating the launch of a new English movie channel, following the buy-out of its current partner Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer by a group headed by Sony Corp, is not forthcoming. But the latest is that starting 1 October, Zee MGM is being renamed as Zee Movie Zone (ZMZ). The network has also unveiled a sparkling new golden logo.
When contacted, a company spokesperson refused comment on the current status of Zee and MGM’s content sourcing contract in India. What was offered instead is that the channel – touted as a complete Hollywood movie channel – will now be making extra efforts to air new titles, which had not been the case earlier. The perception Zee-MGM has in the market is that of a movie channel that is not strong on big blockbusters, though it does air some interesting movies.
In addition to sporting new titles, ZMZ will have weekly bands like Family Zone, Comedy Zone, Action Zone, Oscar Zone etc. First up is a ‘James Bond’ series that will air Sunday nights at 8 pm.
Earlier, the business head for Zee’s English channels Ajay Trigunayat had been quoted in media reports as saying that the group is contemplating starting its own English movie channel, either on its own or in partnership with some other media company.
“Even as we had the partnership with MGM, many of the movies on the channel were being sourced from other players like Paramount and Miramax. Thus we can go solo, taking the content from various partners,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
