GECs
Big Magic amplifies reach across HSMs with DD Direct+
MUMBAI: Big Magic, the flagship general entertainment channel (GEC) from the Reliance Broadcast Network stable is on an aggressive spree to intensify distribution and reach across the Hindi speaking markets. Coming close on the heels of its distribution alliance with one of the leading DTH players, Videocon d2h, the Channel announced the inking of a carriage deal with yet another player DD Direct+. Big Magic will be available on channel number 28 on the platform.
DD Direct+ is India’s only free direct-to-home service and reaches all parts of India, even where cable is not available, making it the answer to the entertainment requirements of the masses. The GEC offers an eclectic mix of entertainment which appeals to the sensibilities of audiences and ranges from family dramas, to reality shows, to cookery shows, to game shows to weekend movies, and more, and is designed to cater to audiences with a progressive mind set.
Speaking on the occasion, Big Magic business head Sunil Kumaran said, “Big Magic is very happy to add DD Direct+ to it distribution bouquet. DD Direct+ penetrates into the deeper pockets where even cable TV finds it difficult to reach, adding substantially to our overall channel reach. Our mix of shows, appeal to a wide cross section of audiences and the addition of DD Direct+ allows us to take this content to newer audiences, otherwise difficult to reach.”
Big Magic is already available across key DTH players ranging Airtel, Videocon d2h, Dish TV, Reliance Digital TV along with Hathway, Incable, Digicable, DEN, 7 Star, ABS, Siticable, Star Broadband and GTPL amongst others.
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.
