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
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
