GECs
Epic & Culture Machine join hands to launch short format non-fiction content
MUMBAI: With an aim to strengthen its position as industry leaders in Indian historic and mythological content on television, the Epic Channel and digital video entertainment company Culture Machine have launched ‘Epified.’
Starting 15 August, ‘Epified’ is a collection of short format non-fiction content related to Indian history and mythology, which includes works inspired by the writings of renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik and many more. Epified’s programming includes a plethora of series like the Mahabharata, Dharma Explained, Gods-Masters-Heroes and more.
The Epic Channel founder and MD Mahesh Samat said, “It has been our constant endeavour to bring to Indian audiences, some of the great stories of Indian history and mythology. With Epified, and its innovative unique animated format, we found great resonance with the channel and we’re sure the audiences will love it.”
Culture Machine CEO Sameer Pitalwalla added, “Our vision with Epified was to marry great storytelling around Indian history and mythology with great art. We have had a great run thus far growing our community across digital platforms and it’s heartening to see the Epic Channel’s belief in this format and their conviction in making it part of the programming line-up. It’s a landmark deal for digital video content and brands.”
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
