GECs
Big Magic launches weekend series as extension of ‘Akbar Birbal’
MUMBAI: Big Magic is set to extend its historical comedy series – Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal.
The new series titled Chatur aur Chalaak, Birbal aur Viraat has been conceived to deliver wit and comedy with intriguing story-telling and new characters. The show launches on 31 January at 9 pm.
The hour long offering will see the introduction of Viraat enacted by TV actor, Rohit Khurana who joins the artist line up on the show like Kiku Sharda, Vishal Kotian, Delnaaz Irani, Kishwer Merchant and Thakur Anoop Singh.
This programme offering is in keeping with the channel’s efforts to deliver original content for its viewers.
The new series will showcase some interesting mysteries being solved by Birbal and his aide Viraat.
Big Magic creative director Uditanshu Mehta said, “Chatur aur Chalaak, Birbal aur Viraat is a natural extension of Akbar Birbal, which is popular amongst age groups. We are launching this as weekend series due to more available time for our viewers. Big Magic has grown as a favourite comedy destination on the foundation of original and differentiated programming. The consumer today is spoilt for choice, which makes it critical for us to deliver engaging and original content that is backed by insights.”
Sagar Pictures brings in the expertise on the production front. Moti Sagar said, “We are proud to be associated with the Akbar Birbal show on Big Magic. Mythology and historical fiction has always been our forte, but with this we added a layer of humour to our experience. Creatively we have looked at every small detail to re-create the grandeur of Mughal era on television. The results have been satisfying till now. We look forward to creating another successful extension and are confident that our viewers will love Birbal and Viraat.”
Creator of the show and head of script shop Big Ideas, Paritosh Painter added, “It is the first around a young boy who is accepted by Birbal as his protégée and is reformed. Our viewers wish to see more shades of the very witty Birbal and hence the introduction of a new character as an aide to Birbal in Viraat. It is the coming together of these two extremely bright minds, played out in the Moghul era, that is poised to deliver one hour Saturday night entertainment packed with comedy, suspense and intrigue for a wholesome family viewing.”
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
