GECs
Sala Budha spreads message of love and generosity
MUMBAI: The Indian film industry really seems to be exploring more ideas than ever before. This time, an Oriya film, Sala Budha (The Stupid Old Man) explores how the elders in our society are really not a liability but resources for the younger generation.
The film was promoted at the festival amid much fanfare with folk performances to grab more eyeballs. The director of the film, Sabyasachi Mohapatra said that instead of looking at elderly people as liability we should consider them a great resource for leading the society.
While interacting with the media at the sidelines of the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Mohapatra said that one in every five persons will be over 65 by 2035 and this film is a tale of human values and generosity.The story is based on a 100 year old story penned by his father, Sahitya Akademy award winner Shri Kapileswar Prasad Mohapatra. It is a black and white film with an 83-year-old protagonist.
Made in Sambalpuri dialect spoken in the western part of Odisha, Sala Budha is one of the 26 feature films selected for the Indian Panorama category in this year’s edition. It commemorates the silver jubilee of Mohapatra’s last film in the Sambalpuri dialect, Bhukha, a widely acclaimed film.
Set in a rural backdrop, Sala Budha is a film that ventures into the folklore lives of these simple God believing people. A journey through their faiths, culture, tradition and musical lives where man has only learnt to give and share.
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.
