GECs
Higher taxes fail to dampen demand for Indian soaps in Sri Lanka
MUMBAI: In spite of stringent levies on imported content, the popularity of Indian shows is seeing an upward trend in the Sri Lankan market. Indian soaps have resonated well with audiences in the island nation, courtesy the flashier nature of the content in contrast to the rural and simple lifestyle-based Sri Lankan shows.
Knowing the threat from Indian shores, the country’s creative community–film and TV producers and actors–have for long been lobbying with the government to levy a higher import tax on content. An industry expert talking to Indiantelevision.com said that it is not economically viable to import Indian shows for the Sri Lanka market. “There will be only blockbuster shows short-listed along with the reduction in the content. For example, earlier there were two or three dramas in the prime time, now there will be one drama and one blockbuster, as many of the dramas are becoming non-profitable because of the increase in levy.”
Earlier in November, Sri Lanka’s Finance and Mass Media minister, Mangala Samaraweera, issued a set of regulations which increases the levy that the government will be imposing on imported dubbed teledramas, films and commercial programmes to SL Rs 150,000 from SL Rs 90,000 earlier.
The expert revealed that Star Plus’ Yeh Hain Mohabbatein and Diya aur Baati Hum were among the most popular shows on one of the Sri Lankan channels. “Sinhalese culture is very close to north Indian culture,” he added. SL audiences have followed Bollywood and Hindi drama and Shanti was the first Sinhalese-dubbed content on one of the channels in Sri Lanka that garnered great traction from the viewers. Since then, there has been no turning back. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was also telecast and the trend continued later on.
Shows such as Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi (Sadahatama Oba Mage) garnered traction when it started off on Derana TV. Other Indian shows like Bandhan (Ali Maliy Mamai) and Meri Durga (Duwana Lamaya) and among others on Derana TV were some of the Indian shows dubbed in Sinhalese.
Naagin (Prema Dadayama) on Sirasa TV also bagged good viewership from all age groups but the second season was a dud. Likewise, Kumkum Bhagya (Adarei Man Adarei) did well when it started but later the viewership dwindled. The expert revealed that the makers of Kumkum Bhagya first had negotiations with Sirasa TV but the show eventually went to Hiru TV.
The decision to syndicate a particular show is always a 50-50 proposition because viewers’ tastes are fickle and change from time to time. Shows are picked on gut feelings that a particular kind of content would work. Over time, its acceptance is likely to see a more scientific approach.
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.
