GECs
Zee TV enters new genre with ‘Ravan’ on Saturdays at 9
MUMBAI: In the peaceful abode of so called ‘Lanka’, Zee TV unveiled its latest mythological drama Ravan. From comedy to reality, the network aims to strengthen its hold in the general entertainment space with the addition of yet another genre, mythology. Ravan will kick off on 18 November at 9 pm to beef up the prime time weekend slot.
Unlike the customary tales of Hindu mythology, this show hopes to delve into the life of the evil one ‘Ravan’. Little is known of Ravan as a great scholar, a devotee of Lord Shiva and that he was the grandson of Lord Brahma. Backed by research, the drama will follow the events and characters that drove Ravan to emerge as the malevolent King.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com at the launch, Zee TV Sr. VP marketing Tarun Mehra said that this will add to the existing line up which will make for ‘Super Saturdays’ which kicks off with Nerolac Impressions Jama De followed by Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hain, the yet to be launched Ravan and Idea Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj.
Expectedly, Zee will push their new property to the hilt. “We will advertise heavily on the channel itself, along with using outdoor in 10 to 12 cities, while radio promotions will also be included on Big FM and Radio Mirchi,” Mehra says.
The costs for opulent sets of the show have been pegged at Rs 10 million and it is estimated that about Rs 1.5 million to 1.6 million is spent on every episode of the show. In total, 52 episodes are being shot.
Explaining why the channel has decided to go the ‘mytho’ way, Mehra says, “There seems to be a rejuvenation of mythology as has been seen in the latest animated movies Hanuman and Krishna. Zee TV has always been known to do things differently and so we hope to lure viewers from grandparents to kids to view the story from Ravan’s perspective.”
Zee TV business head Punit Goenka said, “Ravan is the latest addition to our diverse programming consisting of dramas, comedies, reality shows and movies. This show reveals the lesser known facts about the life of Ravan; his journey from Mahamanav to Mahadanav. The script of this mythological drama has been written with authentic references and research. With Ravan Zee TV presents viewers with a mythological show that is different from the present generation of serials.”
Given, that the story narrates the life of one who is widely accepted as ‘evil’, the untold story of the Ravan may get viewers to sample the show. Even though the channel says research forms the backbone for the drama, whether it can find its hold in the given slot is yet to be seen.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
