GECs
Three recently acquired Pentamedia firms being merged into Penta Entertainment
Chennai-based entertainment graphics major Pentamedia Graphics Ltd has announced it will merge three of its wholly-owned subsidiaries into a new company called Penta Entertainment Ltd.
The three firms are Media Dreams Ltd, Kris Srikkanth Sports & Entertainment, and Mayajaal, says a Madras Stock Exchange press release issued yesterday. The stock swap constituted around 9 per cent of the equity of Pentamedia and 3.519 million shares of the company were allotted at Rs 500 per share.
The three companies were acquired by Pentamedia last December through all stock deals totalling Rs 1760 million. Mayajaal offers themed entertainment such as games, multiplexes etc, Media Dreams focuses on studio entertainment such as television, film software and distribution while Kris Srikkanth Sport & Entertainment offers sports entertainment and has a web presence.
The announcement comes in the wake of a controversy that has arisen Pentamedia being unable to put together the finances for acquiring a 49 per cent stake in the US-based Film Roman.
Film Roman has said it is exploring legal options against Pentamedia for breach of agreement after it rejected Pentamedia’s offer of 5 million GDRs at $2 each in a swap for 8.5 million Film Roman shares at $1.17 for a 49.94 per cent equity stake in the company.
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.
