MUMBAI: The new year is here, and with it comes hope, joy and celebration. Things are slowly getting back to normalcy and the promise of a vaccine has lifted spirits. The night is finally coming to an end and dawn will break – both figuratively and literally, as the days begin to grow longer. The culturally diverse festivals of Pongal, Lohri, and Makar Sankranti all mark the beginning of the Sun’s northward shift called Uttarayan.
These festivals hold a special place in the hearts of the people in India, and as soon as the new year sets in, there is anticipation in the air for their celebration. This year, TV channels have in store a wonderful line-up of specially curated shows and new launches that promise to entertain viewers on this auspicious occasion.
Zee Tamil
To celebrate Pongal, Zee Tamil has planned the world television premiere of some fantastic movies which will air on 14-15 January 2021.
Thalaivi Oru Sirappu Paarvai - a half hour special program with the team of Thalaivi, helmed by director AL Vijay, wherein they talk about their experience and challenges faced during the making of this magnum opus expected to hit the big screens this year.
Telecast Date: 14 January 2021, 9.00 am to 9.30 am.
The channel will present Pattimandram, a debate show moderated for the first time in association with Kalaimamani Dindigul I Leoni, a well-known Tamil orator, moderator, actor, television personality, and political activist.
Telecast Date: 14 January 2021, 9.30 am to 11.30 am.
Moi Virunthu , previously known as Thevai, is a traditional practice originating from Thanjavur, wherein a feast is organised for friends and relatives., with the objective of collecting money for an occasion. This Pongal the channel has invited Zeelebrities – Dharshana, Madhan, Reshama, Jai Akash, Singapore Deepan, Diwakar, Ashwin Karthi, Vishnu Vijay, Indran, Akshaya, Nandha and Asha Gowda – to travel to a village and partake in this practice by cooking a grand feast for the people.
Telecast Date: 14 January 2021, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Add some spice to your matinee movie experience with the screening of Seeru, a 2020 action film, directed by Rathina Shiva.
Telecast Date: 14 January 2021, from 1:30 pm.
Capturing the pulse of the audiences, Zee Tamil will air the world television premiere of Ka.Pae.Ranasingam on Pongal day. A movie that is yet to hit the silver screen, Ka.Pae.Ranasingam speaks to the plight of the farmers and the apathy demonstrated by the powers that be, drawing parallels to the present-day headlines. Alongside Vijay Sethupathi, the film features Aishwarya Rajesh, Munishkanth, Vela Ramamoorthy, Rangaraj Pandey, and Bhavani Sre in pivotal roles.
Telecast Date: 14 January 2021, 4 pm.
The next day, the channel will bring a slew of entertaining movies like Karnan starring Dhanush. Also in the line-up is Oh My Kadavule, a 2020 rom-com written and directed by Ashwath Marimuthu in his directorial debut. Stylish Tamizhachi vs Mass Tamizhan will see actor Priya Raman facing off with director-actor Karu Palaniappan. Adding to the festivities is Naanga Ready, Neenga Readyah – a rollicking game show between two teams led by VJ Anjana Rangan and VJ Vaidhya of the Madras Meter fame.
The finale to this two-day gala will be the world television premier of one of the very few movies that saw a theatrical release in 2020 – Biskoth.
Sony Pix
With the aim to introduce and showcase multi-language films on a Hollywood movie channel, Sony Pix will have a special multi-language line-up on the occasion of Pongal and Makar Sankranti on 14 January, 10 am onwards. This special film festival will consist of blockbusters like The Dark Knight, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, How to Train Your Dragon, The Mummy Returns and more.
Zee Biskope
Zee Biskope is spicing up Makar Sankranti with Pyaar Ke Patang. The romantic film festival began airing on 11 January and will continue till 15 January. Holding immense significance to those from the Bhojpuri heartland, the festival depicts togetherness and love which is seen in prominence in many Bhojiwood movies.
This week-long movie festival, with every film being telecast at 6 pm, shall invite viewers to indulge in the warm romance blossoming between two hearts. It will culminate with the exclusive Zee Biskope premiere of Main Sehra Baandh ke Aayunga.
Zee Marathi
Popular TV show Aggabai Sasubai is enjoying positive response from viewers ever since its launch. The show will air a Makar Sankranti special episode to keep the momentum going.
In the upcoming episode of Aggabai Sasubai, Asawari and Abhijit are going to celebrate their first Makar Sankranti after marriage. Shubhra will also plan a 'Ladies Day Out' with Asawari and a get-together with society ladies.
Sun TV
A lot of south Indian films are set to release on the occasion of Pongal and likewise, Sun TV will premiere movies on the channel. Pattas, Poojai and Soorarai Pottru will air on 14 January, followed by Pettai, Vettaikkaran, and Pulikkuthi Pandi on 15 January from 11 pm to 6.30 pm. The celebrations don’t end there as the channel will showcase movies like Thillalangadi, Natpey Thunai, Kanchana, 96, Kodi and Viswasam on 16 and 17 January.
