GECs
Star Plus soaps to zip into future
MUMBAI: When storylines hit a plateau, shake them up a bit with a fast forward seems to be the Star Plus credo.
Kaahin Kissi Roz Three of the channel’s serials are set for a leap into the future (one is doing more of a hop really) in the coming days. Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kaahin Kissi Roz and Shagun are the three serials that are lined up to receive a shot in the arm to soup up stagnating storylines. While KKR is poised to take only a short five-year jump, afternoon soapShagun will take a quantum leap of 15 years. A year ago, the reigning soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi had leapfrogged 20 years, bringing in its wake an entire new generation of the Virani family, while keeping most of the older generation alive and around.
Shagun
Star Plus, which has taken back Shagun from production house UTV for rearing in house, is firming up plans to move the story into the future. The generation jump kicks in from 18 August, with new characters expected to give the serial a fresh appeal.
Kahaani Ghar Ghar KiiKahaani…. is expected to do a similar trick, with the story also reportedly set to zip ahead by 20 years. Avantika (Sweta Keswani) has just been shown to have been sentenced to life imprisonment, so Kahaani…. will be one character shorter in the coming days as Keswani has opted out of the serial. The rest of the cast will continue (suitably aged of course), while the next generation takes over. The “new, improved” Kahaani… takes its bow from 2 September, according to informed sources.
KKR on the other hand is to move ahead with the same story, but will take up the plot five years hence, when Shaina (Mouli Ganguly), who is serving a jail sentence, is released.
Star India senior vice-president, content and communications Tarun Katial however, says that the channel is yet to decide on Kahaani…’s course. KKR, he says, is not exactly doing a fast forward but is just moving on its pre-destined course.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
