GECs
Big Magic International enhances content portfolio in the US and Canada
MUMBAI: Big Magic International, launched a year ago, will now beef up its content line up with two new fictional shows ‘Raavi’ and ‘Nadaniyaan’ along with films acquired from Viacom 18.
With a content mix that ranges entertainment shows to daily business news from BloombergTV India, the international channel promises an inclusive and absolute package for its viewers. At start, the shows will be available on BIG MAGIC International – in the United States and Canada.
Through exclusive partnerships, ‘Raavi’ and ‘Nadaniyaan’ will air on Big Magic International in the US with the largest DTH platform – Dish Network and in Canada with Ethnic Channels Group (EGCL).
In the United States, Dish Network will ensure it reaches a sizeable and relevant audience of more than 14.3 million households. In Canada, with Ethnic Channels Group (EGCL) a Canada-based television broadcasting, distribution and communications company, specializing in multicultural television, the Channel will air across all major platforms like Rogers Cable, Bell DTH, Bell Fibe, Cogeco and Telus, reaching over 6.4 million households.
Marketing of the shows will see an extensive digital and on air campaign, along with an on ground leg. With Big Magic International’s alliances with large scale events like Shankar-Ehsaan Loy Concert, India Fair, Asian American Fair etc.
Speaking on the announcement, International Business executive VP Soumen Ghosh Choudury said “The new shows on Big Magic International are part of our endeavour to offer a complete entertainment package that appeals to the Indian Diaspora. Both shows add to the robust programming line-up, and meet the entertainment penchants of our audiences. We will, through our Channel, engage with audiences across the mediums of on air, digital and on ground for a more holistic entertainment experience.”
“BIG Magic International being the Variety entertainment channel has marked its presence in USA. These new fiction and comedy shows, and Bollywood movies on the weekend, will definitely add on to its growth and increase its viewership”, said Big Magic International’s exclusive advertising agency in the US market Mediamorphosis co-founder Poulami Mukherjee.
With Ethnic Channels Group as its exclusive partner in Canada, the group’s president Hari Srinivas, said, “Big Magic is poised for greater growth in Canada, and the new programming initiatives will fuel this growth”
The channel’s programming remains an eclectic mix of daily sitcoms, socio-mytho programs, crime shows, dramas, and religious shows handpicked from Big Magic India, along with news from the very credible BloombergTV India.
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.
