GECs
Star Plus brings ‘Prisoners of War’ to India, renowned director to direct
MUMBAI: Star India's Hindi General Entertainment Channel (HGEC) Star Plus has signed a series license deal with Keshet International (KI) for its award -winning drama format, Prisoners of War
The Indian adaptation will be produced by Emmay Entertainment (Producer of films such as Airlift, Katti Batti, Hero, D-Day), and directed by the popular Bollywood director Nikkhil Advani.
Keshet International managing director distribution, Keren Shahar said, "We are extremely proud to be collaborating with Star Plus on one of our most accomplished properties and couldn't be happier that Prisoners of War continues to achieve such success internationally. The versatility of the format is evident, since it has attracted a dedicated following anywhere it has aired in the world. Securing this deal with a highly esteemed partner is indicative of KI's future ambitions in India."
A Star India spokesperson further added, "We are excited to bring a story of such pedigree to India. Star Plus has always been at the forefront of bringing the best of the world to Indian television by constantly redefining the grammar of storytelling. This series, a psychological thriller, will engage and capture the imagination of the Indian viewer."
Created, written and directed by Gideon Raff, Prisoners of War follows two soldiers as they attempt to re-adjust to their lives after returning home from captivity for 17 years.
In addition to their personal struggles, it becomes clear that there is a profound secret that the two are keeping from everyone. The first season was the highest-rated drama of the year in Israel in 2011, achieving a 37 per cent share (HH). Season two launched on Keshet Channel 2 in 2012, and scored a 40 per cent average share, making it the most viewed drama of the year and peaking with an incredible 47.9 per cent audience share during the season two finale.
KI has licensed the series all over the world, both as a format and finished programme. It has brokered licensing deals for local adaptations in numerous territories including South Korea (Star J Entertainment), Russia (WeitMedia), Turkey (Medyapim), and most notably, the US (Fox21 and Showtime) where the adapted series, Homeland, has won numerous awards including Emmys and Golden Globes.
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.
