GECs
Star Plus invokes superheroes in fight for 8 pm slot
MUMBAI: In a strategic U-Turn, Star Plus has replaced its 8 pm tale of re-birth and love Pyaar Ke Do Naam – Ek Raadha Ek Shyaam with a futuristic science fiction drama Antariksh.
The game plan has the channel eyeing kids and housewives to fight the Zee TV soap airing in the same slot, Banoo Main Teri Dulhann.
“Our focus group discussions reveal that the majority of housewives turn to TV in a serious manner only post 8:30 pm. We have also found that kids are generally glued to television till 8:30 pm. So, with Antariksh, we are targeting both these audience groups. We hope that, the upcoming Diwali holiday season will help the show to attain a strong opening,” states Star India EVP Deepak Segal.
Antariksh is launching on 2 October. Star Plus’ last attempt on the kids genre was with the weekend prime time show Haatim, produced by Sagar Arts. Haatim ran on the channel for 50 episodes. An official release assures that “Antariksh is not just kid’s programming, since it is inspired by the Ramayana.”
Antariksh, is an adventurous action-fiction of various events that will shape the destiny of the indomitable and courageous Prince Amar, as he fights the ultimate evil, Rankaal, in his quest to save humanity. It is the fight between good versus evil (Amar versus Rankaal). The story is a war of the titans which is fought with hi tech gadgets and amazing weapons, the release further informs.
The series is produced by Ashim Samanta and Jyotin Goel from Wild Fire Entertainment. The special effects and animation part of Antariksh is handled by Jyoti Sagar from Sagar Arts Productions and Prasad Ajgaonkar from Interactive Realities Ltd.
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.
