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Zee Thirai kicks 2021 into high gear with movie premieres & specials
MUMBAI: The new year is upon us, and Zee Thirai is all set to ring in 2021 with verve. Zee Thirai’s tag line Rathathil Kalandhadu Cinema comes to life through its consistent offering of engaging films and innovative concepts, enthralling ardent movie buffs time and again. The channel is all set to flag off the new year with an all new buffet of movie segments and an eclectic mix of films for viewers’ entertainment.
In anticipation of the new year, the channel recently launched 1 Mani Thirai Arangam, a matinee movie special with a special thematically curated line-up of movies each week, showcasing different themes, making the viewers’ matinee movie experience special. Among the other segments being offered in the upcoming year is Comedy Galatta, Family Entertainer and Suspense Thriller, to name a few.
Staying true to its promise of delivering 52 premieres for 52 weeks, 2021 promises to be action-packed with Zee Thirai. During the month of January 2021, the channel has in store a fantastic slate of movies ranging from horror to comedy, premiering every Friday at 7 pm.
Uyarndha Manithan is a 2017 romcom written and directed by Maruthi Dasari and stars Sharwanand and Mehreen Pirzada in lead roles. Karuppankaatu Valasu is a Tamil movie starring Neelima Rani and George Vijay in prominent roles. This recently released 2020 thriller, centered around a smart village, is gripping and full of unexpected twists and turns. Oru Kidayin karunai Manu is a 2017 Tamil drama film, written and directed by Suresh Sangaiah, featuring Vidharth and Raveena Ravi in the lead roles, and lo and behold – a goat – in a pivotal role. Nethra stars Vinay Rai, Subiksha, and Thaman Kumar in leading roles, and this thriller was released in 2019. The Great Father is a 2017 thriller film originally made in Malayalam by Haneef Adeni and stars Mammooty, Sneha, and Arya.
With every passing year, one of the first things people do is mark the on their calendars. Zee Thirai prides itself in going the extra mile to add a spark to the festivities for its viewers. Pongal marks an important festival for the Tamil community and celebrating with them is Zee Thirai with a special WTP of Asuraguru on 14 January 2021, at 7 pm. This is a 2020 action thriller film written and directed by A Raajdheep and stars Vikram Prabhu, Mahima Nambiar in lead roles while Subbaraju, Yogi Babu, and Nagineedu essay supporting roles.
Of Zee Thirai’s various segments, 'Ticket to Hollywood' has been well received by the audience, wherein blockbuster Hollywood movies are made accessible to a Tamil speaking audience. This January, the channel will be airing Jumanji: The Next Level on 24 January 2021 at 12 pm. Part of the well-loved Jumanji franchise, this movie is a 2019 fantasy adventure comedy directed by Jake Kadsan featuring a galaxy of Hollywood’s who’s who including Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Nick Jonas, to name a few.
Below is the list of movies airing on Zee Thirai, starting 1 January 2020:
1 January – Uyarndha Manithan
8 January – Karuppankaatu Valasu
14 January – Asuraguru
15 January – Oru Kidayin karunai Manu
22 January – Nethra
24 January – Jumanji: The Next Level
29 January – The Great Father
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
