GECs
Balaji Telefilms has movie plans, but steps cautiously
MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms will undertake all film production activities of the promoters, marking a change in strategy aimed at scaling up operations.
Earlier, the movie projects were channelised through Balaji Films, an unlisted company. Founder-promoter and noted actor Jeetendra Kapoor had earmarked 6-7 movie projects at an estimated cost of Rs 700-800 million. The promoters had decided to keep Balaji Telefilms out of the movie business as they wanted to cushion the listed company against the risks that get attached to these projects.
Balaji Telefilms will, however, take a cautious approach and is making a foray into the movie production business with two low-cost projects totaling Rs 100 million. The lineup of future production will be weighed against the successes of the first two projects and will be spread over a period of time.
“We plan to do the movies through Balaji Telefilms. That will mean that the focus of the promoters stay concentrated on one rather than two companies. But we will be very careful on our projects as most of the movies are not succeeding at the box office,” says Balaji Telefilms president of strategy and business development R Karthik.
Balaji Telefilms will first release Kya Kool Hai Hum in April, followed soon by Koi Apsa.
Balaji Telefilms has committed the satellite TV rights for these two movies to Star, says Karthik. The terms of the deal including price are being worked out. “The rights could range from three to seven years depending upon the price,” he adds.
The music rights for Kya Kool Hai Hum have been sold to T-Series. Negotiations are on to sell the rights for the second movie.
Balaji Telefilms has, meanwhile, signed up with Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) to co-produce a movie. The project cost and other details, though, are yet to be finalised, says Karthik.
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.
