GECs
UTV to distribute Miramax movies
MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications has signed a deal with Miramax International Film Corporation to distribute 130 titles for a period of ten years.
UTV has been given the rights for theatrical, television and home video rights, subject to timely payment consideration. However, the television and pay-per-view exhibition will be restricted to the Indian subcontinent. “We have paid $800,000 for these movies,” says promoter Ronnie Screwvala.
UTV has also recently entered into an agreement with Fox Searchlight Pictures and Japan-based Entertainment Farm to jointly participate in production and distribution of an English movie. Directed by Mira Nair, the movie is based on the novel Namesake written by Jhumpa Lahiri. The film would attract an investment of $9.6 million, to be shared equally by the three partners. Fox will license to UTV Motion Picture the rights of theatrical, home video and free television distribution and exhibition for India.
As already reported on Indiantelevision.com, UTV is entering the capital market on 21 February with a public issue of 6,999,950 equity shares of Rs 10 each through a 100 per cent book building process to part finance its expansion plans. The company has fixed a price band of Rs 115-130 for the issue.
“The size of the issue will be Rs 910 million at the upper end of the price band and Rs 805 million at the lower end,” said Screwvala, while addressing a press conference on Monday.
The issue comprises fresh equity of 4,500,000 shares of Rs 10 each and offer for sale by CDPQ, a Canadian private equity investor, of 2,499,950 equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash.
The proceeds from the issue will be used for enhancement of production facility and office infrastructure, investment in the kids channel Hungama TV, post-production expansion, working capital requirements for movie production and distribution initiatives and general corporate purpose
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.
