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Asianet to premiere four blockbuster films in April
Mumbai: Kerala’s entertainment network Asianet is all set to premiere four blockbuster films in April including “Minnal Murali,” “Marakkar – Lion of the Arabian Sea,” “Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan” and “Pushpa: The Rise.”
As a part of this programming lineup, “Minnal Murali” will be telecasted on 10 April starting at 5.30 p.m. “Marakkar- Lion of the Arabian Sea” will be the next on 15 April starting at 2 p.m, followed by “Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan” on 17 April starting at 4.30 p.m. The channel is yet to announce the premiere date for “Pushpa: The Rise.”
Last year, Asianet presented blockbuster films such as “Drishyam 2,” “Nayattu,” “Joji,” and “The Great Indian Kitchen.” According to a statement, the channel has more than 1500 titles in its content library.
“We are focused on delivering high-quality entertainment to viewers and the addition of these blockbuster titles reiterates our commitment to delivering non-stop entertainment that resonates with them. We are humbled by the response received from the Malayalam-speaking viewers to our content, and we will continue to strengthen Asianet’s library comprising of contemporary and quality films,” said an Asianet spokesperson.
Screened at the Mumbai Film Festival last year, “Minnal Murali,” the first Malayalam superhero film received an astounding response from audiences. Penned down by Arun Anirudhan and Justin Mathew, the story revolves around the life of Jaison portrayed by Tovino Thomas, a young tailor who gains superpowers after being struck by lightning and transforms into a superhero. As he realises his superpowers, he starts to help people around him.
One of the most anticipated Malayalam movies, “Marakkar – Lion of the Arabian Sea” is a biopic on Kunjali Marakkar the fourth, who is considered one of the greatest naval chiefs of India. The movie is credited to be the most expensive film ever made in Malayalam cinema and bagged the Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects, and Best Costume awards at the 67th National Film Awards in October 2021.
Starring renowned artist Dileep, “Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan” is a humorous and feel-good family drama. Keshu, a 60-year-old driving tutor along with his family visits Rameswaram for his father’s funeral rites. Something unforeseen happens during the journey, which changes his life.
The biggest grosser of 2021, “Pushpa: The Rise” bagged the ‘Film of the Year’ accolade at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2022. Directed by Sukumar, the action thriller feature superstars Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna.
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.
