GECs
Plus introduces contemporary ‘Mahabharata’ in its afternoon band
MUMBAI: The ruling deity of the Hindi entertainment genre is now unleashing its latest offering in the afternoon band.
Star Plus’ 1 – 3 pm afternoon slot, already the strongest proposition across all mass entertainment Hindi channels, is further strengthening its band with the introduction of a modern day Mahabharata that plays out in a corporate board room. Saarrthi airs daily at 2:30 pm Mondays through to Thursdays.
Produced by Asit Modi under the banner of Neela Telefilms (known for comedies like Hum Sub Ek Hain, Ye Duniya Hai Rangeen and Meri Biwi Wonderful), this magnum opus is a story of two brothers and their families in conflict, one who is very righteous and the other immoral.
Although, Saarrthi is far from the original epic, yet one cannot ignore the underlying similarities in their characters. Reflecting the new social norms, this show is an attempt to recreate an entertaining daily with modern characters and much more contemporary conflicts.
Pitched as an eternal battle between good and evil in a contemporary setting with Lord Krishna in his mythical form, this battle of the conscience will ultimately lead every character to their Kurukshetra. The only difference being the Kurkshetra here is the corporate boardroom and Lord Krishna supporting the righteous CEO.
A different concept, Saarrthi will be replacing Kabhie Aaye na Judaai, which comes to its conclusion today. It launches launches next Monday (8 November).
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.
