GECs
Non Kannada theaters defy moratorium, release new films
BANGALORE: Defying the seven week moratorium for release of non-Kannada films recommended by the government headed and Karnataka Film Producers Association (KFPA) loaded Pandey committee, a number of theaters in Bangalore released the Aishwariya Rai starrer Bride and Prejudice in Bangalore and North Karnataka yesterday. This follows the low-key release of Alien vs Predator and Popcorn Khao! Mast ho Jaho last week.
“The real test will be on 12 November,” said a theater owner who wished to remain unnamed. “That’s about when Ramzan ends and around the time of the festival season in India. A number of Hindi films are slated for release on that day. We theater owners are just testing the waters with these low-key releases. Even Rex is screening just two shows of Bride, for the other two shows The Bourne Supremacy is being screened.
The KFPA is expectedly unhappy with these developments and has decided to give the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce till tomorrow to ensure that new releases of non-Kannada films are withdrawn. The KFPA plans to call a
meeting of the Pandey committee immediately and ask them to take action against these ‘illegal’ acts by the exhibitors.
Media reports speak of the Kannada film fraternity supporting the recommendations of the Pandey panel and decrying the release of non-Kannada films in the state before the end of the moratorium, justifying the seven week moratorium and the six print limit in the state by citing that the survival of the Kannada film industry was at stake.
“How long can we pay to keep the culture of the state, the language alive? What will happen when we run out of funds?” said a frustrated theater owner. “Why can’t they make good films in Kannada? I don’t mind screening a film
in any language provided it draws the crowd.” He added.
Meanwhile, actor-politician mediator Ambarish seems to have been sidelined by all concerned, as he is busy campaigning for the Congress party in a Bidar by-poll to be held on 13 October.
Odugoudar, president of the Hubli based Karnataka Film ExhibitorsAssociation (KFEF), is reported to have said that the moratorium applied only to theaters in Bangalore and films were being simultaneously released in North Karnataka as across the country.
The KFCC has planned to take disciplinary action against those exhibitors who have violated the seven week moratorium and has assured that the new releases would not be screened today or later until the seven week moratorium was complete or the issue decided in another manner.
Theater owners are contemplating going to court over 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.
