GECs
Star Plus to air Mahabharat in a film format – Draupadi – Ek Agnipariksha
MUMBAI: Given the immense popularity of the epic – Mahabharat, Star Plus is all set to showcase the great story once again on television. However this time as a film showcased through the lens of one of its greatest characters and perhaps the raison d’etre of Mahabharat – Draupadi. The Maha-movie ‘Draupadi – Ek Agnipariksha’ will narrate Draupadi’s journey of love, sacrifice and dishonour in a three hour film that will air on May 25th at 1.00 PM and 8.00 PM on Star Plus.
Mahabharat, the iconic tale has no dearth of powerful characters! Be it Krishna who acts as the advisor, the legendary warrior Arjun, the cunning Shakuni, the powerful Yudhisthir and many more. But in a story dominated by males is a strong character of Draupadi that symbolizes beauty and grit, she faces the severest humiliation and yet manages to maintain her dignity. Audiences have loved this facet of Draupadi and empathised with her situation thus making it an apt reason for the film to be presented from her perspective prior to the grand war of Kurukshetra.
Talking about the initiative, Nikhil Madhok, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Programming Strategy, Star Plus said, “Mahabharat has a massive fan-following across all age groups, especially the youth. Draupadi has emerged as one of the most loved and followed characters. Since the series is at the commencement of the great Kurukshetra war, we believed it would be a good refresher to take the viewers through Draupadi’s journey and how she was a catalyst for the war. We are positive that the audience will appreciate the film as much as they have enjoyed watching the show. ”
Launched in September last year, Mahabharat produced by Swastik Pictures has aired approximately 193 episodes. The show is consistently ranked among the top shows on Indian television and has garnered positive feedback from all quarters.
Watch the film this May 25th, Sunday at 1.00 PM & 8.00 PM only on Star Plus.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
