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.
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.
