ITV News
SPNI expands into southern markets with Sony Vizha, Sony Telugu launch
Kannada sports, Tamil and Telugu GECs lined up for 2026
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.)
ITV News
Sonata Software CEO Samir Dhir to exit, Rajsekhar Datta Roy named successor
Samir Dhir steps down after tenure, to stay on as advisor till December 2026
BENGALURU: Sonata Software Limited has announced a leadership transition, appointing Rajsekhar Datta Roy as chief executive officer, effective May 9, 2026, for a three-year term. He will lead the company’s international business as it sharpens its focus on AI-led transformation.
Roy, a long-time company veteran, brings over three decades of experience in scaling technology practices and managing global delivery operations for enterprise clients. He has played a central role in building Sonata’s Microsoft and Dynamics practices into key growth engines, while also driving strategy and large-scale digital transformation programmes.
Over the past year, Roy has been closely involved in steering Sonata’s shift towards becoming an AI-first organisation. He has led initiatives around the company’s responsible-first AI framework and contributed to the development of its Harmoni.AI platform, alongside efforts to improve operational margins through tech-driven efficiencies.
Prior to this elevation, Roy served as chief delivery officer, overseeing global delivery and operations, and was a key member of the executive leadership team shaping the company’s transformation roadmap.
The transition follows the exit of Samir Dhir, who will step down as managing director and CEO at the close of business on May 8, 2026. He has also resigned as executive director but will continue as an advisor to the board until December 31, 2026, ensuring continuity during the transition.
The board acknowledged Dhir’s tenure, noting that under his leadership, Sonata strengthened its position as a strategic partner for clients and advanced into its next phase of growth.
Sonata Software Limited executive vice chairman Srikar Reddy said, “Raj’s promotion to CEO underscores our confidence in his leadership and strong technology vision. His deep understanding of Sonata Software will help us continue building an innovative and trusted organisation.”
Sonata Software Limited chief executive officer Rajsekhar Datta Roy added, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the company’s international business. Our focus will remain on strengthening core capabilities and accelerating AI-led modernisation journeys for our clients.”
With this leadership change, Sonata Software is signalling continuity with a forward-looking tilt, betting on internal leadership and AI capabilities to power its next phase of global growth.
