GECs
SPTI to launch deal with CJ’s new drama series ‘Hyena’
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has entered into a long-term agreement with one of Korea’s entertainment company, CJ Media Inc., to distribute a selection of its upcoming and future drama series to broadcasters and digital content providers across Asia outside of Japan, China and Korea.
The deal strengthens the partnership between SPTI and the CJ Group which was established last year when SPTI acquired the distribution rights from CJ Entertainment for the two Korean features How to Keep My Love and The Greatest Expectation.
SPTI senior vice president distribution Asia Ross Pollack said, “Korean dramas have enjoyed unprecedented popularity domestically and abroad in recent years and we are thrilled to partner with one of the largest media and entertainment corporations in Korea, CJ Media Inc. As The Asian Hollywood Studio, this deal further enhances our already significant ability to bring our clients the very best product, whether it’s from Hollywood or more close to home in Asia.”
CJ Media executive vice president broadcasting division Won-Pil Shim said, “We are proud to be partnering with SPTI for distribution of CJ Media Inc.’s original drama and made for television movie content. Based on our over 10 years of experience in producing and broadcasting on the Korean television market, we are geared up to create and produce quality original content for not only Korean audiences, but audiences throughout Asia and beyond.”
The first drama to be distributed as part of the deal is Hyena, a 16-episode series following the lives of four playful guys — Chul-Soo (played by Min-Jong Kim), Suk-Jin (played by Sung-Rok Shin), Jin-Bum (played by Man-Seok Oh), and Jin-Sang (played by Da Hoon Yoon) — as they discover that though they may only look for casual relationship, sometimes they find true love.
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.
