GECs
Zee TV’s &pictures launch to be followed by GEC Anmol
MUMBAI: Earlier this week, media offices went into a tizzy when a small pouch containing a fortune cookie and a chocolate box arrived at journos tables with just a tag ‘& coming soon.’ Additionally, an anonymous email arrived saying that &pictures has bagged the broadcast rights of upcoming film Chennai Express. No one knew who it was from; everyone was kept guessing.
On 1 August, the anonymous sender’s identity was revealed. A press release arrived from Zee TV proclaiming that it is launching a new movie channel christened &pictures. And it gave sparse details about the channel.
Now indiantelevision.com would like to reveal more about the initiative to readers: &pictures is currently being led by Zeel chief content and creative officer Bharat Kumar Ranga and is expected to launch a fortnight from now. And the target audience, well, it’s going to be young India, namely the youth. Hence, the channel will run films which excite them and which are not more than a decade old.
“But that doesn’t mean we will not show cult movies like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sinkandar. Even today youngsters can relate to movies such as these and enjoy them to the fullest. So, whatever our TG wants, we will give it to them,” clarifies the source.
The network is currently promoting the channel digitally keeping in mind that the TG is normally online 24×7. However, large-scale promotions and marketing activities will start only after the first week’s ratings, elaborates the source.
Indiantelevision.com has learnt that there is more in the offering from the Zee TV network. It is slated to launch another GEC in September called Anmol which is likely to be like Star Utsav, that plans to air re-runs of Zee TV shows like DID LiL Champs, Indias Best Dramebaaz, Afsar Bitiya, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Punarvivah and Pavitra Rishta.
Moreover, the test signals of the channel have already started. Anmol has been added on Dish TV, running on channel no 103 via DD Direct Plus and has replaced 9XM (now on 670). The new channel has also launched its official Facebook page.
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.
