GECs
Karnataka film exhibitors to promote Kannada films
BANGALORE: The Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association (KFEF) has announced its plans to promote Kannada films. “We’ve (the KFEF) unanimously decided to promote Kannada language during a meeting today, in line with my statement yesterday that we will take steps on our own for promoting Kannada language,” said KFEF chairman and president R P Odogoudar to Indiantelevision.com.
“We have decided to release award winning Kannada films, art films, non-commercial films that have not hit the silver screen. We’ve decided to screen them to fulfill our aim of developing of Kannada films. We’ve said that we will come one step forward, all theater owners will participate, and on a non- commercial basis,” Odogoudar said.
When queried details of the organisation’s plans, Odogoudar said, “We’ve to work out the details, let us find out the number of such films, and how we would screen them. This would be a continuous process.”
Meanwhile, following the supreme court’s stay on the highly controversial seven week moratorium on non-Kannada films in the state on a petition filed by Gemini Films, the planned meeting of the deputy chief minister Siddharmaiah and the three involved groups has been postponed.
Advocate general B T Parthasarathy has been quoted in media reports as saying that the government will file an application to vacate the stay. A decision will be taken once the copy of the SC order was received from the government, he said.
The exhibitors are elated with these developments and plans are on to release all the new non-Kannada films on the 19th onwards. The films have not been released immediately after the SC stay to honor CM Dharam Singh’s request that releases be defrayed until the now canceled Monday meet.
Kannada filmdom under the aegis of The Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) plans to study the order before taking further steps.
Actor-politician mediator Ambarish who had been roped in to help solve the impasse between the producer-director fraternity and exhibitors and distributors severely criticized the attack on media persons and theaters screening non-Kannada films. Ambarish, speaking during a press meet, said that none of the three effected parties- the producer-director body, the distributors and the exhibitors were willing to look beyond their own problems. He has now decided to wash his hands off the affair saying that only talks between the three parties could help solve the issue.
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.
