iWorld
ZEE5 makes its Malayalam original debut with ‘Kammatam’
MUMBAI: ZEE5 is rolling out the red carpet in Kerala, and it’s not for a romcom. The home-grown streaming giant is making its Malayalam original debut with Kammatam — a gritty, no-nonsense crime thriller inspired by a real-life murder that rattled Thrissur and the state at large.
Premiering 29 August, the six-part investigative series is directed by Shan Thulasidharan and backed by 23 Feet Productions. It stars national award-winner Sudev Nair as circle inspector Antonio George — a man who smells something off when a planter’s suspicious “accident” scene doesn’t add up. A missing necklace, a dead auto driver with a shady past, and a mysterious two-wheeler later, and George finds himself knee-deep in a sinister web of lies, silence, and moral rot.
Joining Nair is a powerhouse cast including Jins, Jeo Baby, Ajay Vaasudev, Akhil Kavalayoor, Arun Sol, Sreerekha, and Jordy Poonjaa. Together, they bring to life a story laced with betrayal, blood, and quiet rage — a far cry from your garden-variety whodunit.
Set against the humid, brooding backdrop of Kerala’s heartland, Kammatam doesn’t just deliver on suspense — it unearths uncomfortable truths about complicity, conscience, and the cost of silence. ZEE5, which has been steadily expanding its regional footprint, is clearly not here to play it safe in the Malayalam market.
Lloyd Xavier, senior vice president – marketing South and business Head – ZEE5 Tamil & Malayalam said, “Kammatam exemplifies the compelling storytelling that defines Malayalam content, rooted, realistic and deeply engaging. Inspired by true events and set against the nuanced backdrop of small-town Kerala, the series delivers a gripping narrative with morally complex characters and sharp investigative drama. As we continue to strengthen our Malayalam slate, Kammatam reinforces our commitment to offering content that not only entertains but also reflects the cultural and emotional depth of the region.”
Shan Thulasidharan, director of Kammatam said, “Kammatam is a grounded thriller built on real events that once shook a quiet town. The story draws its strength from the community’s closeness, yet secrets run deep. Filming in such an authentic setting allowed us to bring out the eerie normalcy that surrounds the unfolding mystery. We focused on telling a taut, character-driven story that feels real, unsettling, and deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural fabric”
One thing’s certain: with Kammatam, ZEE5 isn’t just dipping its toes into Malayalam content — it’s diving headfirst into the deep end. And it’s bringing the body count with it.
iWorld
Physicswallah acquires Nextseed Foundation for Rs 1 lakh
Edtech firm completes 100 per cent stake purchase, making it wholly owned subsidiary.
MUMBAI: Physicswallah just aced another acquisition because when you’re already teaching millions, why not add a non-profit to the syllabus for just a lakh? Physicswallah Limited announced on Thursday that it has completed the acquisition of Nextseed Foundation, a Section 8 non-profit company, making it a wholly owned subsidiary with effect from 18 March 2026. The transaction, approved by the board on 5 February 2026, involved purchasing 100 per cent of the issued and paid-up equity share capital for a consideration of Rs 1 lakh.
The deal marks the formal closure of the acquisition, with detailed disclosures already submitted to stock exchanges in February in line with SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR).
Nextseed Foundation will now operate as part of Physicswallah’s broader education ecosystem, aligning with the company’s ongoing strategy to diversify and strengthen its presence across segments.
The announcement comes on the heels of strong financial performance. Physicswallah reported a 34 per cent year-on-year increase in operating revenue to Rs 1,082 crore in Q3 FY26 (from Rs 810 crore in Q3 FY25). Net profit rose 33 per cent to Rs 102 crore (from Rs 77 crore), and surged 46 per cent sequentially from Rs 70 crore in Q2 FY26, crossing the Rs 100 crore quarterly mark for the first time.
In an edtech landscape where growth is the ultimate exam, Physicswallah isn’t just passing, it’s topping the class, one strategic move (and one very affordable acquisition) at a time.
