GECs
Raj TV to go pay from 1 Feb, launch Telegu, Tamil music channel
MUMBAI: All the channels are stepping up preparations for gearing towards the implementation of conditional access system (CAS).
Raj TV plans to go pay with effect from 1 February, close on the heels of Gemini TV.
Several cable operators in western and northern parts of the country, meanwhile, have pulled these vernacular language channels from the prime band unless the viewers ask for the same.
As for Raj TV’s plans, on the anvil is a revamp of the current programming mix. The channel is also in the process of setting up a new Tamil music channel, and also plans to get into film production, reports say. Raj has also announced the launch of a Telegu channel.
According to media reports, Raj TV plans to invest an estimated Rs 1billion in launching a Telugu channel in March 2003, for which talks are on with venture capitalists. Cinevistaas, AVM and Telephoto Entertainment are among those that are slated to produce new shows for the revamped Raj TV.
The new Telugu channel will however be a news based channel aimed at the rural population as well as women in Andhra Pradesh. Sun’s Gemini and Eenadu’s ETV are the current top contenders in the satellite channel stakes in the state. The new channel will have a new logo, a new name and a fresh infusion of manpower.
Raj TV, which has teleport facilities in Chennai, will uplink the new channel from the same facility.
As part of the value additions the long delayed music channel from Raj TV, tentatively titled Melody, intends a soft launch around Valentine’s Day. It would offer primarily Tamil music (70 per cent) while other regional fare would comprise about 30 per cent.
Having made three mid-budget films, feature length film production is also a venture Raj TV plans to explore. The intention now is to get bigger budget films produced with popular stars.
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.
