GECs
Zee shelves movie production business
MUMBAI: Zee Telefilms Limited (ZTL) has shelved its movie production plans. Last year, the company had scrapped its film distribution deal with Rajshri Pictures after the eight movies that were channelised through the pipeline did not turn out profitable.
Nitin Keni, who has been looking after ZTL’s film operations in the capacity of Zee Telefilms Ltd Films Division CEO, has quit. Keni, who is currently pursuing independent projects including films and telefilms, is now associated with ZTL as a film consultant.
The focus will be now on television. “I personally feel, even if the board wishes to pursue films, there is a lot that needs to be done on the television side. The sky is the limit (as far as films are concerned), but the core business (TV) is not in place. I don’t think it is worth adding whole lot of other things to the kitty. Right now, I am concentrating on the core business,” ZTL CEO Pradeep Guha has said in an exclusive interview with indiantelevision.com.
Guha added that the company would go ahead with the Bhagmati project. “Bhagmati will be marketed. The sale is going on at the moment.”
As reported by indiantelevision.com, Zee Telefilms is finally unveiling the 2D animation-cum-live action film by mid-June. Zee has plans to tap the international market by going for a global release.
Speaking on the company’s experience with Gadar – Ek Prem Katha, Guha said the movie had failed to bring much money to the producer despite its box office success. ‘Yes, it was a great property, but didn’t bring too much money for us. Somewhere, we got the model wrong perhaps. But I am not ruling out cinema for ever.”
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.
