GECs
Reddy asks Karnataka Govt to sort out film ban mess
BANGALORE: Terming the present seven-week ‘ban’ more of a ‘law and order’ problem than a legal one and an emotive issue, Union information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy has asked the Karnataka government to sort out the mess and to see to it that new non-Kannada films were not barred from being released in the State.
The seven-week ban on non-Kannada films was imposed by the Pandey Panel comprising Kannada producers.
Reddy was in Chennai yesterday to address an All-India conference on regional films organised by the Southern India Film Chamber of Commerce.
Media reports say that “gentle pressure” was exerted by the Union minister when he spoke to Karnataka CM Dharam Singh. A meeting of the Pandey Committee has been convened on 13 September and the non-Kannada Film Exhibitors and Distributors Associations have decided to appeal to the panel to review its decision on the seven week moratorium on the release of non-Kannada films and to ask the government to roll back its decision to cut the entertainment tax on non-Kannada films from 70 per cent to 40 per cent.
In the meantime, an unsigned faxed press release received by indiantelevision.com last week, attributed to minister HD Kumaraswamy, the son of former prime minister Deve Gowda and the president of the Karnataka Cinema Theatre Owner’s Association (KCTO), a statement mentioning that any film with which producer and director S V Rajendra Singh Babu is directly or indirectly associated would not be displayed in any theatre in Karnataka for the next five years starting 8 September, 2004 till 8 September, 2009.
The release terms the statements as wild, derogatory, inflammatory, disturbing and provocative. It goes on to say that the disturbing remarks and utterances made against the KCTOA secretary Dhananjay KV on 4 September 2004 and also his continued assault against theatre owners have necessitated this step. The press release also states that the association had considered a life ban on Rajendra Singh Babu’s films. This release has been widely quoted in the media.
Reacting to this, the producers association has demanded an apology from HD Kumaraswamy saying that comments against Rajendra Singh Babu were not just against one individual but also against all producers and directors of Kannada films.
As per reports in the media, Kumaraswany has said, “No unsigned Press release issued in my name is valid. I am responsible only for press release signed by me.”
Meanwhile,Prana and Yahoo, two new Kannada films, which were released yesterday, opened to a lukewarm response in Bangalore and have been termed a non-event by some sections of the local press. Four of the 68 theatres that announced closure have reopened to weak response. The theatres were screening re-runs of Kill Bill, Runaway Jury and new movies Out Of Time and Man Of Fire. The theatre owners state that they have not withdrawn support from the KCTOA but that they could not see their theatres closed and wanted to remind cine-goers to go to theatres.
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.
