GECs
Ramayan finds markets overseas
MUMBAI: Ramayan, the epic that created history on Indian television in the late 1980s, has found new markets abroad.
Improved, dubbed versions of the epic were launched on ITV and Nepal 1 channels in London and Nepal respectively on the ocasion of Ram Navmi (11 April).
“The Nepalese dubbed version of Ramayan went on air on the recently launched Nepal 1 (promoted by Nalini Singh) and has received an astounding response. We have also launched the Tamil dubbed version with English subtitles on ITV channel in London. This was primarily to cater to the demands of the Sri Lankans viewers,” says Sagar Arts’ marketing director cum producer Prem Sagar.
“We have spent Rs 20 million in redesigning Ramayan. The digitized version has a contemporary sound track, look and feel. We have also released VCDs and DVDs of the epic which have shown record sales so far ,” he adds.
The improved version of Ramayan , is also having a re-run on Doordarshan Metro channel . “Even during its re-run, Ramayan on DD-2 gets a TRP of 8 plus in the 8 pm to 8:30 pm slot on Mondays,” informs Sagar.
The demand for the epic indicates that old popular serials, specially mythologicals, still have a market value. However, what remains to be seen is if the new version of the epic is able to spin the same magic abroad as it did in India in the late 80s, when it launched.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
