GECs
Zee argues ‘Time Bomb’ features not bound by copyrights
MUMBAI: Resuming its arguments on the serial Time Bomb in the Delhi High Court, Zee Telefilms today argued that, presentation features and formats were not bound by copyright laws.
“We have also screened some parts of the Time Bomb serial. We will screen its first episode on 1 July,” said Zee counsel Maninder Singh, adding that, the broadcaster has also brought the court’s attention to various global court rulings favouring the theory that presentation techniques and formats can’t be copyrighted.
Zee also screened CDs of various television shows and movies which have featured the split-screen and screen clock techniques. According to Singh, the Indian broadcaster was trying to prove its point that, these techniques have already been used on television and movies and hence can’t be monopolised by anyone. The Court has now adjourned the hearing to 1 July.
Twentieth Century Fox, had sought an injunction against Zee TV telecasting its Rs 110 million thriller Time Bomb. The US producer, in a suit filed on 17 June, had alleged that the Zee serial has copied the concept of its ongoing TV serial 24.
Since the court had refused to stay the Time Bomb telecast, the serial is currently on air. The second episode of the weekly is scheduled to go air tonight at 10 pm.
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.
