GECs
Zee crowns France with Jodha Akbar as drama gets its own royal channel
MUMBAI: France just got a royal new resident and she’s arriving with enough fanfare to fill a palace courtyard. Zee Entertainment UK has rolled out Jodha Akbar as a standalone single-IP channel on Samsung TV Plus in France, giving the country’s audiences a dedicated window into the iconic historical romance that has already captivated millions worldwide.
The exclusive channel marks a significant expansion of Zee’s European footprint, becoming the network’s eighth channel launch in the region. It also builds on the surging popularity of Zee One, which has already cultivated a loyal French fan base hungry for Indian storytelling, costumes, and high-stakes historical drama.
Jodha Akbar hailed globally as one of Zee’s most-watched and most-adored shows has travelled across continents, with dubbed and subtitled versions clocking millions of viewing hours. Now, French viewers can stream the saga seamlessly on Samsung TV Plus (channel 4277), Samsung’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service that reaches consumers via Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices and Smart Monitors.
Announcing the launch, Zee Entertainment president of international and digital businesses Amit Goenka said the move strengthens the network’s long-standing commitment to stitching together cultures through storytelling. “Jodha Akbar is one of the most acclaimed and watched shows on Zee internationally. By partnering again with Samsung TV Plus, we continue our legacy of building bridges between languages, cultures and communities,” he noted.
Samsung, too, sees the partnership as a cultural win. Samsung TV Plus country lead France & MENA Antoine Chotard said, “Teaming up with Zee allows us to bring a truly iconic and culturally rich series to Samsung TV Plus in France. We’re excited to launch this remarkable IP and look forward to its success.”
The launch also reinforces Zee’s momentum in FAST distribution and connected TV platforms, a category that is accelerating globally as viewers shift towards free, ad-supported, always-on entertainment. With 300 plus channels already part of Samsung TV Plus’ expansive offering, Jodha Akbar joins a premium line-up tailored for mainstream audiences seeking global stories in local formats.
For Zee, the standalone channel is much more than a distribution win, it’s a statement of intent. By giving a single show an entire channel in a major European market, Zee signals its confidence in Indian content’s international appetite and enduring emotional appeal.
And for France, it’s an invitation into a world of politics, passion, power and palace intrigue now just one click away on Samsung TV Plus, channel 4277.
The empire has officially expanded.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
