GECs
UTV pumps in Rs 240 million into animation business
MUMBAI: UTV has invested approximately Rs 240 million in its animation division. The investments have gone into an animation facility with 225 workstations replete with blade render farms and Max software, at its Andheri Studio in Mumbai.
Presently the work output is for 15 movies for Direct to Home Video of some of the popular international classics of all time, plus a 52 episode TV series in addition to 20 short series. The facility operates 24X7 with a built up capacity to execute over 150 minutes of high quality animation a month in 3D.
The 25,000 square feet workstation equipped for High Definition (HD) work mainly caters to UTV’s clients in North America and Europe, states an official release.”We believe we are executing the single largest work flow out of India, presently, – and our excellence in 2D and now in 3D has been acknowledged by our growing repeat customer base from Disney and Fox to Cine Group and Saban,” says UTV COO Ronald D’Mello.
Adds UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala, “We were the pioneers in animation out of India and in the next 18 months our focus is to emerge a clear leader out of South Asia – not just for service outsourcing but origination of content. In the next 60 days we will announce two animation movies we are green lighting – primarily for Asian audiences but with appeal for a growing cross over audience too.”
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.
