News Headline
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam smashes records on Zee5 and Zee Telugu
MUMBAI: Zee5, has set new benchmarks with the phenomenal success of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam. Since its digital debut on 1 March, the film has amassed over 360 million streaming minutes, marking the most successful launch ever on Zee5. Its television premiere on Zee Telugu was equally groundbreaking, achieving a staggering 18.1 TVR (SD+HD), the highest World Television Premiere (WTP) rating in India in the last 2.5 years.
The film is also the only one in the past 2.5 years to exceed 10 million AMAs (Average Minute Audience), recording an impressive 11.1 million AMAs. This exceptional performance highlights the growing appetite for high-quality entertainment on both digital and TV platforms.
Originally released in cinemas to widespread acclaim, the Venkatesh Daggubati-starrer enthralled audiences with its vibrant festive setting and engaging storyline, grossing over Rs 300 crore worldwide. Its OTT debut on Zee5 shattered previous platform records, surpassing 100 million streaming minutes within just 12 hours.
Zee5 stated, “The overwhelming response to Sankranthiki Vasthunnam reaffirms our dedication to bringing compelling storytelling to audiences across India and beyond. This record-breaking performance underscores our promise to deliver top-tier entertainment.”
Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film follows Damodara Raju (Daggubati), a former deputy commissioner of police, as he is approached by his ex-girlfriend and assistant commissioner Meenakshi (Meenakshi Chaudhary) for help in solving a high-profile kidnapping case. The victim, Satya Akella, a CEO of a multinational conglomerate, vanishes under mysterious circumstances. Adding a comedic element to the intense investigation, Damodara Raju’s wife, Bhagyalakshmi (Aishwarya Rajesh), insists on joining the mission to keep a close watch on her husband and his former flame. The film seamlessly blends action and humour, making it an instant favourite among viewers.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
