GECs
Kannada film producers’ fraternity takes on filmdom embargo
BANGALORE: Undeterred by the trade barriers thrust on it by the Indian film industry — mainly represented by the Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and some doyens from the Bollywood industry — the Kannada film producers fraternity has decided to take on cudgels and go ahead on its own, at least until the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) presidential elections which is to be held in Bangalore on 25 September.
Reportedly refusing to be cowed down by the film industry across India, most of the Karnataka Film Producers Association members have either accepted the decision saying that the Kannada film industry will improve if isolated from the rest of their brethren in India or have taken a threatening stance saying that Telugu and Hindu film industries will suffer if they tried the Kannnadigas’ tolerance, threatening retaliation along the same lines.
The artistes and technicians who are involved with films across states are worried about their future and hope that the crisis would be solved soon.
KFPA president Basant Kumar Patil (he is also one of the KFCC presidential candidates), having been pushed onto the back-foot by the recent developments, reportedly condemned the embargos announced under the aegis of the South Indian Film Chambers of Commerce saying the Kannada film industry could sustain itself without any support from others. He asked the non-Kannada film industry to take into account the fact that the KFPA is fighting for its survival in the state. He stated that the non-Kannada film industry could adjust their losses elsewhere since they have worldwide releases while Kannada films were limited to the state only. Patil added that the seven-week moratorium on non-Kannada films in the state would stay.
The only other remaining candidate of the post of the president of KFCC, H D Ganagaraju has the support of the out-going president of the KFCC, S. Ramesh and actress Jayamala, Sa Ra Govind among others. Both candidates have released their election manifesto and have assured a quick solution to the problems faced by the Kannada film industry.
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.
