SPNI expands into southern markets with Sony Vizha, Sony Telugu launch

NEW DELHI: Culver Max Entertainment, formerly Sony Pictures Networks India, has confirmed the launch of five new channels in its latest Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO), signalling an assertive push into southern language markets.

The slate spans sports and general entertainment. A dedicated Kannada sports feed, Sony Sports Ten 4 Kannada, will debut on 1 April, 2026, marking the first rollout.

The broadcaster has also proposed two Tamil general entertainment channels, Sony Vizha and Sony Vizha HD, slated for launch on or after June 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

In Telugu, two GECs: Sony Telugu and Sony Telugu HD are proposed for launch on or after 1 August, 2026, again contingent on clearances. The RIO notes that the Telugu channel names remain tentative, though the genre and language positioning are locked in.

All five channels carry an a la carte maximum retail price of Rs 19, placing them squarely within competitive bouquet strategies in appointment-driven southern television markets.

The expansion underscores Culver Max’s intent to deepen its footprint in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada ecosystems, long dominated by entrenched regional players and fiercely loyal audiences.

(Note: The cover image is AI-generated and meant for representational purposes only.)